Westport Police Arrest Two in Roadside Drug Bust; Fentanyl-Laced Drugs Seized
Press Release
On this date at approximately 9:40 a.m. an officer conducting traffic enforcement on the Sherwood Island Connector pulled a car over for a motor vehicle violation. Upon approaching the car, the officer saw that there were four men inside. As the driver was retrieving paperwork from the glove compartment, the officer observed a plastic bag that contained several red capsules. He knew that capsules of that type are typically used to package crack cocaine. At this point, the officer called for additional units to assist him with this investigation. Seconds later, the person sitting in the front passenger seat ran from the vehicle and fled into the woods adjacent to the commuter parking lot. The officer chased the individual and saw him discarding items as he ran. The passenger was taken into custody after a brief struggle with officers. The other three occupants remained with the car and did not attempt to flee.
The evidence that the passenger discarded during the foot chase was suspected narcotics and a scale. The suspected narcotics were tested and determined to be cocaine and crack. Both were mixed with fentanyl. The crack cocaine weighed twelve grams and the cocaine weighed sixty grams.
The passenger who ran was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Illegal Operation of a Drug Factory, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Tampering With Evidence, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, and Interfering With an Officer. He is currently being held on a $75,000.00 bond.
The driver was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance With Intent to Sell, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interfering With an Officer, Criminal Impersonation, Misuse of a License Plate, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Insurance, Illegal Tinting, and Operating Without a License. He is currently being held on a $51,000.00 bond.
The rear passengers were not charged. However, one was taken into custody as he had outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions.
The identities of the two parties arrested will be released at a later time, as the investigators are still working on confirming their identities.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 8 since Friday
The State Department of Public Health reported 8 more COVID-19 cases in Westport since Friday. The State positivity rate was up to 9.70% while 351 people are hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,770 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 39 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.70% [up from 9.46%]
Sirens: Merritt Parkway Southbound Accident Reported
First responders were dispatched to a car accident on the Merritt Parkway in the southbound lanes, before exit 40, just before 7:30 this morning. No word on any injuries.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 74. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible.
Tonight
Showers, mainly before 2am. Low around 63. Northeast wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
A 40 percent chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 73. Northeast wind around 11 mph.
Tomorrow Night
A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Northeast wind around 9 mph.
High Tides
8:03 AM / 8:27 PM
Low Tides
1:58 AM / 2:15 PM