Police Seize Stolen 9mm Handgun, Crack Cocaine, Heroin After Attempted Traffic Stop: Hamden PD

HAMDEN, CT — An attempted motor vehicle stop on New Year’s Eve led to the discovery of crack cocaine, heroin, a stolen firearm and the arrest of a New Haven man, according to Hamden Police.

At about 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, Officer Michael Mello observed a motor vehicle violation at the intersection of Bowen Street and Cherry Ann Street. Mello subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop in the vicinity of Arch Street and Fitch Street, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said the operator of the vehicle, Johnny Stroud III, attempted to flee on foot from the vehicle. Officer Mello and Lt. Timothy Wydra struggled with Stroud, who was vigorously resisting, according to Smith.

Officers located a loaded 9mm handgun in Stroud’s waistband, Smith said.

A further search of Stroud led to the discovery of 23 bags of crack cocaine, 10 wax folds of heroin and $750, according to Smith.

Officers learned that the firearm that was in Stroud’s possession was stolen in Massachusetts in 2012.

Stroud, of Valley Street in New Haven, was charged with criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, theft of a firearm, weapon in a motor vehicle, two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of narcotics with the intent to sell, interfering with a police officer and numerous motor vehicle charges.

Stroud, who was detained on a $250,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 12.

Pictured: Firearm and drugs that were seized during arrest of Johnny Stroud III / Hamden Police Department.