Hamden Teen, 18, Charged After Traffic Stop In East Haven: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A traffic stop of a speeding car led to the arrest of a Hamden 18-year-old who police said had "narcotics packaged for sale, hidden within the vehicle."

According to East Haven police spokesperson Capt. Joseph M. Murgo, on Monday Officer Dean Bibens was on routine patrol when he saw a black Acura speeding on Laurel Street near View Terrace.

Murgo said that as the car continued, Bibens and Traffic Enforcement Officer Joe DiNatale, who was conducting motor vehicle enforcement in the area, saw it run a stop sign at Laurel and Bradley streets and then, headed down Eldred Drive, a dead-end street.

"At that point, officers initiated a motor vehicle stop in the cul-de-sac," Murgo said, adding that police "spotted multiple clear baggies in plain view, which were later determined to contain crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged for resale."

The driver, later identified as Lebron Jimmy Stevenson, was "asked to exit the vehicle and was immediately detained while officers conducted their investigation," Murgo said.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of:

• 72 bags containing 34 grams of crack cocaine
• 11 bags containing 18 grams of cocaine
• 180 bags containing 61 grams of fentanyl
• $661.00 in U.S. currency

Stevenson was placed under arrest and transported to the East Haven Police Department for processing. He was charged with the following offenses:

• Failure to Obey a Stop Sign, in violation of C.G.S. 14-301
• Improper Use of a Marker Plate, in violation of C.G.S. 14-147(c)
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, in violation of C.G.S. 14-215(a)
• (3) Counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, in violation of C.G.S. 21a-279(a)(1)
• (3) Counts of Possession of Narcotics with Intent to Sell, in violation of C.G.S. 21a-277(a)(1A)

Stevenson was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 2 in New Haven.

"The East Haven Police Department remains committed to keeping our community safe from the dangers of illegal narcotics," Murgo said. "We urge residents to report any suspicious activity and remind everyone to stay vigilant. If you see something, say something. Together, we can help prevent drug-related crimes and keep our neighborhoods safe."

For emergencies, dial 911. For non-emergency situations or to report suspicious behavior, please contact the East Haven Police Department at (203) 468-3820.