2 Hartford Men In Vehicle That Fled West Hartford Police Face Drug, Weapons Charges: WH

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Two Hartford men who police said fled a prior traffic stop in West Hartford were taken into custody on drug, gun charges late last week.

According to the West Hartford Police Department, on Saturday, the suspects have been identified as:

• Michael Grady, 21, of Hartford, who was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal possession of a firearm with no serial number, intefering with police, violating a standing criminal protective order, misuse of plates, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, illegal operating of a motor vehicle without insurance, and operating a motor vehicle without a licensed passenger.

He is being held on $350,000 bond pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

• Joshua Benitez-Singh, 22, of Hartford, was charged with illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession with intent to sell a hallucinogen, and illegal possession of cannabis plant material (greater than 1.5 ounces).

He is also being held on $350,000 pending arraignment in Hartford Superior Court.

According to the WHPD, the suspects were driving a vehicle on Friday, July 18, that — a week earlier — failed to stop for West Hartford police in a separate traffic stop.

At 12:56 p.m. Friday, police said they were notified via the town's Flock camera system that the suspects' vehicle was parked near 450 New Park Ave. in West Hartford.

The WHPD Community Services Unit conducted and "investigative stop" and located several items of suspicion in the vehicle including: a loaded, 3D-printed, 9 mm "ghost gun;" a loaded .38-caliber revolver; 46 bags of fentanyl; 2.1 grams of powder cocaine; 5.7 grams of crack cocaine; 3.2 ounces of marijuana; and U.S. currency.

Both men were subsequently taken into custody.

No further information is available, and anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203, or use the anonymous WHPD Tip Line/email at 860-570-8969 / whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.