Tamaqua driver facing charges

Edward Leonard Rivera Jr., 30, of 214 Race St., Tamaqua, picked a bad time to drive a vehicle this past Wednesday, as he was observed by a Tamaqua police officer who is familiar with his criminal history.

When the officer saw Rivera, whose driver's license is suspended, he initiated a traffic stop. This was shortly after the officer saw Rivera and another man involved in suspicious activity.

When asked if he had been involved in a drug deal, Rivera said no. However, when asked to submit to a search, the man pulled a syringe and two baggies, with suspected drug residue, from his pocket. An additional syringe was found in the passenger side door.

He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.