NEWINGTON, CT (WFSB) – Three people were arrested early Tuesday morning after a traffic stop in Newington led to the discovery of narcotics and a firearm.
At around 3:30 p.m., officers were patrolling residential areas when they noticed a suspicious vehicle loitering in a condo complex. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled the scene. However, after returning to the parking lot to check for possible car break-ins, officers found the same vehicle had reappeared. They successfully stopped the car at that point.
The vehicle was occupied by Michael Torres, 24, Chastity Casiano, 37, and Chereca Cruz, 43.
During the investigation, Torres physically resisted officers, which led to the discovery of a handgun on his person. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed narcotics, including crack cocaine.
Torres faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a firearm, illegal alteration of a firearm, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, interfering with an officer, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a controlled substance, and failure to appear in the second degree. He is being held on a $135,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain court on December 24, 2024.
Casiano was charged with failure to appear in the second degree, two counts of failure to appear in the first degree, possession of a controlled substance, use of drug paraphernalia, and criminal impersonation. She is being held on a $105,000 bond and is also scheduled for New Britain court on December 24, 2024.
Cruz faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, use of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, improper use of marker plates, engaging in a police pursuit, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license or registration. She was released on a $15,000 non-surety bond and is set to appear in New Britain court on January 7, 2025.