Police Make Another Crack Cocaine Arrest

The aroma of marijuana wafting from a car on Easton Street was enough to catch the attention of a Hamden police officer, who subsequently found crack cocaine on the passengers, according to police.

It was about 4 a.m. Saturday morning when Sgt. Michael Sigmon saw two people sitting inside the car acting suspiciously, police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith said.

"Upon speaking with the individuals, Sergeant Sigmon smelled burnt marijuana emanating from inside of the vehicle," Smith said. When he searched the car, Sigmon found 11 bags of crack cocaine and a bag of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, Smith said.  

The driver, John Dolberry Jr., 40, of 506 Winthrop Ave., New Haven, was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and interfering with a police officer. 

His passenger, Dontay Hopkins, 31, of 140 High Top Circle, Hamden, was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of New Haven, Smith said. He was turned over to the New Haven Police Department.

Dolberry was held in lieu of $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 28.