Narcotics Found, Stamford Motorcyclist Arrested After Traffic Stop In Norwalk: Police

STAMFORD, CT — Officers found cocaine and other narcotics after arresting a Stamford motorcyclist who tried to flee from a traffic stop Thursday evening in Norwalk, according to Norwalk police.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said an officer on a marked police motorcycle was conducting traffic enforcement during the evening commute around 6:30 p.m. when he spotted a motorcyclist riding westbound on Sunset Hill Avenue without a registration plate.

According to Podgorski, the officer tried to stop the motorcyclist, later identified as Vladimir Ruales-Espinoza, 33, of Stamford, at a red light.

The officer instructed Ruales-Espinoza to turn off the motorcycle, however he refused to comply and tried to maneuver around the officer, Podgorski said.

The officer was able to prevent Ruales-Espinoza from leaving, at which point he dropped his motorcycle and fled on foot, according to Podgorski.

After a foot pursuit across East Avenue, the officer deployed his department-issued taser and was able to arrest Ruales-Espinoza, according to Podgorski.

After further investigation, officers in the area found narcotics both on Ruales-Espinoza and in the area where he fled, Podgorski said.

Officers recovered two bags of cocaine weighing 102.57 grams, 10 smaller bags of cocaine weighing 11.12 grams, 15 Xanax bars and 17 oxycodone pills which tested positive for fentanyl, according to Podgorski.

Ruales-Espinoza was charged with possession with intent to sell narcotics, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and operating an unregistered motor vehicle.

His bond was set at $200,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

"The Norwalk Police Department remains committed to conducting proactive enforcement to reduce crime and ensure the safety of our community," Podgorski said in a news release.