Crack Cocaine, Gun Seized In Danbury Drug Investigation: Police

DANBURY, CT — Two people were arrested after police recovered crack cocaine and a firearm during a monthlong investigation into drug sales in Danbury, according to the Danbury Police Department.

Detectives with the department's Special Investigations Division, assisted by the DEA's Bridgeport Field Office, arrested Patricia Saunders, 59, of Danbury, and Ronald Reiske Jr., 49, of Brookfield, on Sept. 22, police said.

Investigators said they determined Saunders was selling drugs from her residence at 7 Fairfield Ridge, a Danbury Housing Authority property. Detectives obtained court-authorized warrants to search Saunders, her cellphone and the residence.

During surveillance, detectives watched Saunders leave the residence, drive to 72 South St. and conduct a drug sale in the parking lot, according to police.

Detectives approached and took Saunders and Reiske into custody without incident. Police said they recovered crack cocaine from Reiske at the time of his arrest.

Investigators then searched the Fairfield Ridge residence, where they recovered additional crack cocaine, an electronic scale and a firearm, police said.

Saunders was arrested on charges of second-offense possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, sale of a narcotic substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless endangerment. Her bond was set at $100,000.

Reiske was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a written promise to appear, according to police.