Driver Arrested On Drug Charges After Fleeing Traffic Stop: Stratford PD

STRATFORD, CT — A Bridgeport man was arrested on drug charges after fleeing an attempted traffic stop and leading police on a brief chase Monday in Stratford, according to police.

The Stratford Police Department’s Narcotic, Vice & Intelligence Unit tried to conduct the stop after observing a possible narcotics transaction in the area of Stratford Avenue, according to Capt. Jerry Pinto.

Pinto said the stop was initiated but the driver didn’t stop and engaged the detectives in pursuit.

The driver was seen tossing a black plastic bag out of the vehicle as it travelled up the southbound entrance to I-95 at exit 31, according to Pinto.

Pinto said the driver decided to pull over and stop after travelling a short distance on I-95.

The driver was identified as 30-year-old Andre McBride of Bridgeport, according to Pinto.

With the assistance of K-9 Vader, Pinto said the black plastic bag that McBride tossed from the vehicle was recovered nearby and it contained narcotics and marijuana materials.

McBride was arrested and charged with two counts of sale of a narcotics substance, and one count each of illegal sale/ manufacture of cannabis, tampering with physical evidence, operation of a drug factory, interfering with a police officer, improper stop/brake light, illegal tinted windows and engaging police in pursuit.

He was released after posting a $50,000 bond with a court date of Oct. 18.