Well-Being Check Leads To Arrest Of Branford Man, 19, Who Faces Myriad Drug, Firearm Offenses: BPD

BRANFORD, CT — A 19-year-old Branford man has been arrested and charged by police following an investigation involving reported threats, access to firearms, and narcotics activity.

David Morande (19) of Branford, following an investigation involving reported threats, access to firearms, and narcotics activity.

Officers initially responded to a North Main Street apartment on Tuesday, after a family member reported concerns about David Morande’s well-being, including suicidal comments and homicidal threats toward another person, police said in a news release.

When officers made contact, Morande was detained for safety reasons, police wrote. "In plain view, officers observed two loaded firearms, narcotics, and drug-related packaging," according to Branford police.

Branford police detectives got a search warrant and "seized a stolen AR-15 style rifle with a high-capacity magazine, a Glock 23 pistol with a high-capacity magazine, a SCCY 9mm pistol, cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, codeine promethazine solution, and materials consistent with the sale of narcotics."

Armed with search warrant, police seized an AR-15 rifle, Glock pistol, and drugs including cocaine and oxycodone, packaging materials: PD

Morande was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and, upon release, was charged with multiple offenses, including:
• Possession with Intent to Sell Narcotics
• Operation of a Drug Factory
• Illegal Possession of High-Capacity Magazines
• Illegal Possession of an Assault Weapon
• Carrying a Firearm Under the Influence

He was held on a $500,000 bond and was due in court Wednesday.

"We commend the officers who initially arrived on scene for their quick actions to safely detain Morande without injury.," police wrote. "In addition, with the assistance of the Detective Division and our DEA Task Force Officer, firearms, ammunition, and drugs were seized and taken off the streets."

In a Facebook post, police wrote a reminder to the community:

"If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of a loved one, please contact law enforcement immediately," they wrote. "Your call can save a life."