Couple Smash Car Trying To Flee During Drug Bust: Danbury PD

DANBURY, CT — Police have charged two men with drug-related offenses following a months-long investigation.

Detectives from the Danbury Police Department's Special Investigations Division began their operation several months back after receiving complaints from neighboring residents in the area of the Beaver Street Housing Complex and Ashe Place.

During the surveillance of 7 Ashe Place on Sept. 18, police were preparing for the execution of two search-and-seizure warrants. Detectives saw David Melendez, 39, a Waterbury resident and one of the targets of the investigation, exit the apartment and get into a vehicle.

When Melendez’ vehicle stopped on George Street, police say Claiton Oliveira, 37, of Brookfield, entered it. Police then converged on the vehicle, as they believed "a drug transaction was in progress," according to Det. Sgt. John Krupinsky of the Special Investigations Division of the DPD.

"Seeing this, Melendez put his vehicle in reverse, smashing into an unoccupied Detective car, which pushed it approximately 10 feet backward. He then pulled forward, striking another Detective’s car and tree. Both Melendez and Oliveira exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot," Krupinsky said.

A search produced 37 bags containing a rocklike substance that was field-tested positive as crack cocaine, according to police. Melendez was also in possession of one pill that field tested positive for the presence of MDMA, the active ingredient typically found in the drug ecstasy. Also seized was approximately $242 in cash.

Police also found Oliveira to be in possession of a one-pound of what field tested as crack cocaine.

Following their arrest of Melendez and Oliveira, police executed the two search warrants for 7 Ashe Place and found a scale and narcotics packaging, according to their report.

Melendez was charged with sale of a narcotics substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, interfering with the duties of a police officer, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and unsafe backing. His bond was set at $350,000. Oliveira was charged with possession of a controlled substance.