Police Search Finds Firearms, Cocaine Near Naugatuck School

NAUGATUCK, CT — Central Avenue School in Naugatuck briefly was locked down Thursday morning during a state and Naugatuck police search that turned up firearms, cocaine and other drugs in a home nearby, according to authorities. The lockdown has since been lifted.

Police raided 46 Carroll St. Thursday morning as part of an investigation by the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force Northwest field office into narcotics sales. Naugatuck police assisted with the investigation.

"As a result of that search warrant, numerous firearms, cocaine, and narcotics packaging were seized," state police said in a release. "The targets of the investigation were not home at the time; however, two minor children were in the home. [The state Department of Children and Families] was notified, responded and took custody of both children."

As authorities were wrapping the search, the suspects, a man and a woman, drove by the home. The man, whose identity has not been released, was in violation of a full protective order with the woman, who state police also did not identify.

"The suspects failed to yield to Naugatuck Police commands to stop, continued operating the vehicle, pulled into a driveway and fled on foot," state police said.

Witnesses saw the man throw a weapon and narcotics as he was running; both items were later recovered. He eventually was found hiding, and he injured his leg during his attempted escape. He was taken into custody and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

State police said authorities will obtain a warrant for his arrest on numerous charges, as the investigation continues.

The woman was taken into custody and was charged with the following:

• Possession of cocaine
• Possession of narcotics in a school zone
• Possession of cocaine with intent to deliver
• Operating a drug factory
• Interfering with police
• Risk of injury to a minor (2 counts)

"During the course of this incident the Naugatuck Police Department followed protocols," state police said. "As the suspects fled the scene, area schools were placed into a brief lockdown until the male [and] female were located and the scene was secure."