3 Arrested In Drug Bust On Meriden Green: Police

MERIDEN, CT — Three men have been arrested in connection with a drug bust on the Meriden Green, according to police.

On Aug. 6, police said members of the Crime Suppression Unit saw a man identified as Larry Jenkins of Middletown seated in a lawn chair in the Meriden Green.

“Members of CSU observed Larry engage in numerous ‘hand-to-hand’ transactions with several different people visiting the Meriden Green,” police wrote in a news release. “These transactions and observations were consistent with narcotics dealing. After observing these transactions, it appeared Larry had sold his supply of narcotics.”

Police said a man later identified as Jayden Vargas of New Haven soon entered the Meriden Green and “appeared to resupply” Jenkins.

After the meeting, police said Jenkins and Vargas separated. Jenkins walked over to the area of Benjamin Street and entered a vehicle that was being driven by a man who was later identified as Christopher Carangelo of Meriden, according to police.

“Members of CSU believed another narcotics transaction was occurring and as a result approached the suspect vehicle,” police wrote. “When Christopher noticed the police presence, he reversed the vehicle and struck the front end of an unmarked police vehicle.

“Both Larry and Christopher were apprehended at the scene. Jayden was located in the Meriden Green and taken into custody.”

Jenkins was found to be in possession of 1.97 grams of crack/cocaine, according to police. He also had an active arrest warrant for violation of probation, police said.

Carangelo was found to be in possession of .3 grams of crack/cocaine, according to police.

Police said Vargas was found to be in possession of 4.90 grams of crack cocaine that was separately packaged.

Jenkins was arrested on charges of possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. He was held in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

Vargas was charged with possession of narcotics and possession of narcotics with intent to sell. He was held in lieu of a $75,000 bond.

Carangelo was charged with possession of narcotics, misuse of registration plate, failure to maintain insurance, and unsafe backing. He was released on a promise to appear in court.