Two Men Arrested Following Surveillance of Danbury Residence: PD

DANBURY, CT — Police charged two men with a variety of drug-related crimes following a weeks long investigation.

On Tuesday, police executed search and seizure warrents for the residence, car and person of Orlando Cruz, 33, of Danbury. The warrants were obtained following an investigation of several weeks prompted by residents' complaints alleging illegal activity.

The Danbury PD began surveillance of Cruz' residence at 1 Kennedy Avenue around 3:00 p.m., and report they observed a hand to hand drug transaction between Cruz and Abdulwali Peterson, 30, of Naugatuck. Police moved in, and report they seized three plastic bags from Cruz which later tested positive for the presence of cocaine. Cruz was placed under arrest.

Peterson attempted to flee through the complex, police report, and was placed under arrest following a chase on foot. During the chase, police say Peterson discarded a digital scale which later tested positive for the presence of cocaine. Police searched Cruz' apartment where they report they seized more cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia, cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

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Cruz and Peterson were each processed on various drug-related charges, including multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cruz's bond was set at $200,000. Peterson was also charged with interfering with the duties of a police officer, and his bond was set at $250,000.

The Danbury police are reminding residents of their anonymous tip line which can be reached at 203-790-8477.

Photos of (l. to. r.) Abdulwali Peterson and Orlando Cruz provided by Danbury PD.