Lynnfield Man Busted In Alleged Cocaine Deal: Reading Police

READING — Two men were arrested Thursday for taking part in a drug deal near the Reading American Legion Hall, police said. Chief Mark Segalla said Luis Delgado, 32, of Roxbury, was arrested for selling to Everett Rikeman, 58, of Lynnfield.

Police had learned that a patron of the American Legion Hall on Ash Street was regularly meeting a man in the parking lot to buy drugs. An investigation which included the Southern Middlesex Regional Drug Task Force was launched.

Detectives saw an alleged transaction take place around 3:20 p.m. Thursday, when Rikeman left the hall to approach Delgado, who was in the Chevrolet Malibu, according to police. Rikeman walked away with a brown bag.

Police arrested Delgado and, after a short foot chase, captured Rikeman. Segalla said Rikeman had 10 grams of cocaine on him, and Delgado's vehicle had 20 grams. Police also seized $1,300.

Delago was charged with distribution of a Class B substance. Rikeman was charged with possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.

"The effort put forth in this investigation sends a clear message that the Reading Police Department and the citizens of this community will not tolerate drug activity," Segalla said. "I am proud of the diligent detective work put forth by our investigators working in conjunction with the regional task force. The partnerships we have formed in Middlesex County are working every day to make our communities safer."

Both men were scheduled to be arraigned in Woburn District Court.

Reading Police photo