Officer Injured During Drug Bust In Clinton

CLINTON, CT — A Clinton Police officer sustained minor injuries when a suspected drug dealer crashed into a police cruiser while attempting to elude police late Friday afternoon. The suspect, 40-year-old Randy Dupree of New Haven, was taken into custody after the crash and arrested. Police also arrested two Clinton residents who they say purchased narcotics from Dupree.

The three suspects were arrested at about 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 after police say they witnessed a drug transaction between Dupree, who was operating a vehicle, and Clinton residents Gary Watrous, 60, and Carl Reed, 59. Police had set up a surveillance operating after receiving complaints and information that the suspects were involved in drug sales at 135 East Main Street.

Police attempted to pull over Dupree after the transaction took place, but he attempted to elude police and crashed into the cruiser, according to police.

With the assistance of the Clinton Police K-9 Sonny, and his handler Officer Jason Frey, located 3.5 grams of cocaine in Dupree’s vehicle along with more than $800 cash, three cell phones and other paraphernalia, according to police.

Police said Reed was found to be in possession of cocaine and Watrous was in possession three pills of prescription narcotics (oxycodone).

The police cruiser was damaged in the incident and a police officer was treated for minor injuries, according to police.

Dupree was arrested on two counts of sale of cocaine and one count each of possession with the intent to sell, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, assault of a police officer, engaging officer in pursuit and operating without a license. He was held on a $50,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court on Monday morning.

Reed, of East Main Street, and Watrous, of Old Mill Rd., were each charged with possession of narcotics. They were released on written promises to appear in court on Nov. 22.

Photos via the Clinton Police Department