Man Eats Suspected Drugs During Arrest: Middletown PD

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A Middletown man was arrested after he assaulted a police officer and swallowed suspected drugs, according to police.

Police approached a large group of people near Main and Ferry streets April 25 and noticed Jevon Patterson, 33, in the crowd. The crowd dispersed and Patterson walked quickly away from police and caused motorists to slam on their brakes when he illegally crossed the street, police said.

He then ran from police when they yelled at him to stop and tossed items from his pockets. An officer injured his hand during a struggle to detain Patterson and required medical attention, according to police.

Patterson was found with $446 in his pant pocket. Officers didn't locate any of the items he discarded during the foot chase.

An officer asked Patterson to open his mouth to check for any narcotics, but Patterson began chewing. Police noticed he had white powder on his lips after he swallowed an object and believed it was a package of cocaine.

He was charged with reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian, tampering with evidence, interfering with police, assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct. He was released on a $10,000 bond.