Shoplifting Attempt Leads to Heroin Bust in Hamden

An attempted shoplifting from Stop & Shop led to a heroin bust for the Hamden Police Department.

Police responded to the Stop & Shop at 2335 Dixwell Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. on July 6 on the report of a shoplifting, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Smith said investigation revealed that Joseph Kasfeldt had concealed several packages of meat and then exited the store. As he was approached by a loss prevention officer, Kasfeldt dropped the stolen items and fled the area in a motor vehicle.

Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Michael Doherty observed the vehicle traveling southbound on Dixwell Avenue and subsequently conducted a motor vehicle stop.

Further investigation led to the search of the vehicle, which was operated by Jason Beardsley, according to Smith.

Hamden Police Department Street Interdiction Team members subsequently located 26 bags of heroin. The heroin, which weighed 7.8 grams, has an estimated street value of $585. Beardsley and Kasfeldt were promptly arrested and transported to police headquarters.

Hamden Police arrested:

• Joseph Kasfeldt, 32, of 144 Elm Street, West Haven. He was charged with sixth-degree larceny, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school, conspiracy to possess narcotics and conspiracy to possess narcotics with the intent to sell. Kasfeldt, who was released after posting a $5,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on July 21.
• Jason Beardsley, 42, of 144 Elm Street, West Haven. He was charged with possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with the intent to sell, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school and conspiracy to possess narcotics with the intent to sell. Beardsley, who was released after posting a $5,000 bond, is also scheduled to appear in court on July 21.