Three people were arrested in Newington early Tuesday when officers found a gun and crack cocaine while investigating a suspicious vehicle in a condo complex parking lot.
The vehicle was first spotted just before 3:30 a.m. as officers were patrolling residential areas of town, according to the Newington Police Department.
Police said officers attempted to stop the vehicle as it was loitering in the condo parking lot, but the driver took off and fled the area. When police returned to the lot to check for signs of car break-ins they found that the motorist had come back.
Officers were able to stop the vehicle and found that it was occupied by three people, identified as 24-year-old Michael Torres, 37-year-old Chastity Casiano and 43-year-old Chereca Cruz, according to police. Police said Torres was reportedly found with a handgun as he resisted officers.
A search of the vehicle turned up narcotics, including crack cocaine, according to police. All three suspects were arrested.
Torres faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm, illegal alteration of firearm identification, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, interfering with an officer, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a controlled substance (first offense) and second-degree failure to appear. He was held on a $135,000 bond and was expected to be arraigned later in the day in New Britain Superior Court.
Casiano was charged with two counts of first-degree failure to appear and a single count each of second-degree failure to appear, possession of a controlled substance (first offense), use of drug paraphernalia and criminal impersonation. She was held on a $105,000 bond and was also expected to appear the same day in court.
Cruz was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance (first offense), use of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, improper use of marker plates, engaging police in a pursuit and illegal operation while license/registration is suspended. He was released on a $15,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to face a judge on Jan. 7.
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