Southington Detective Honored By Bristol PD For Role In Drug Probe

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A Southington police detective was recently honored for his role in a drug investigation that ended with a foot chase, an arrest and the seizure of cocaine and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds.

Last week, Southington Police Department Det. William Thomson received the Bristol Police Department's Silver Star Award along with Bristol police officers Jamie Genovese, Todd Bazarewsky and Greg Giannini and Det. Scott Verillo, according to the Southington and Bristol police departments.

Police said the group recently observed a person in a vehicle conducting multiple illegal drug transactions and subsequently attempted a motor vehicle stop.

The driver refused officers' commands and, following a brief interaction, drove away while two officers were reaching into the vehicle, according to police.

A third officer deployed stop sticks, deflating one of the vehicle's tires.

Police located the vehicle a short time later, and a foot pursuit followed before officers took the suspect into custody.

Authorities said officers seized 85 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine along with nearly $5,500 in suspected drug proceeds.

Southington police credited Thomson's actions during the investigation in announcing the recognition.

"Detective Thomson's vigilance and professionalism were evident as he helped identify an individual conducting multiple illegal drug transactions and took part in a high-risk motor vehicle stop when the driver refused to comply," the department said.

Police said Thomson's "dedication, sound judgment, and unwavering service to the Southington community continue to set a strong example for our department."