Police Chase Ends With Narcotics Arrest in New London

Traffic ground to a halt at the Waterford/New London line at about 5:30 p.m. yesterday but it wasn't because of the roadwork. Six police cruisers had surrounded a vehicle following a brief chase through Waterford that ended on Bank Street at the intersection with Beckwith Street. Three men were taken into custody and charged with various narcotics, motor vehicle, and criminal charges.  

The incident began at about 5 p.m., as members of the New London Police Department's VIS and Narcotic Section and the Patrol division were conducting a narcotic's investigation. When officers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, the driver fled toward Waterford. A brief pursuit ensued through Waterford and then back into New London. During the chase, police saw narcotics being thrown from the suspect's vehicle in the area of Willetts Avenue and Soundview Avenue in Waterford. The drugs were seized as evidence.

The suspect vehicle was ultimately stopped in the area of Bank Street and Beckwith Street, where police conducted a search. A Groton Town Police Narcotics Detection K9, as well as members of the State of Connecticut Parole Department assisted in the investigation. During their investigation, police seized 29.2 grams of cocaine, 12.2 grams of heroin, along with a small amount of Marijuana, and $875 in cash.

The following suspects were arrested:

Carlos Vazquez, 26, of 254 Ocean Avenue, New London was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, tampering with evidence, and refusal to be fingerprinted. Bond was set at $100,000. Vazquez was subsequently remanded back to custody for a parole violation and transported to Corrigan Correctional Facility by State of Connecticut Parole.

Andre Strong, 29, a homeless man living in New London, was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, tampering with evidence, and criminal impersonation. He is being held on $100,000 bond.

Marvin Jones, 22, of 158 Norwood Avenue, New London, was charged with reckless driving, reckless endangerment, engaging an officer in pursuit, and criminal attempt at assault on a police officer. He is being held on $100,000 bond.