Police: Mamaroneck Man Arrested on Felony Drug Charge in Harrison

An alleged drug transaction spotted by a Harrison police officer has landed a Mamaroneck man in jail facing felony charges.

Michael Chavez, 36, of 225 Mamaroneck Ave., faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third and fourth degrees—both felonies—after police say Chavez was caught with cocaine and prescription drugs during a traffic stop. Police say they were following his vehicle after witnessing a possible drug deal from a vehicle near 110 Crotona Ave. in Harrison.

Police say the transaction happened at about 8:45 p.m. Saturday. An officer in an unmarked car noticed a double-parked Jeep in the area and approached the vehicle. Before speaking with the driver, the officer reports seeing an unknown male approach the vehicle and hand money to the driver, taking a small white object in return.

As the Jeep drove away northbound on Crotona Ave., the officer followed, eventually pulling the Jeep over near the intersection of Adelphi and Argyle Roads.

After police smelled marijuana, Chavez and an 18-year-old passenger were asked to step out of the vehicle. Police say they found about 15 grams of marijuana in the 18-year-old's pocket and he that was cited for unlawful possession of marijuana.

Police say they found 26 Oxycodone tablets and 8.5 grams of cocaine in Chavez's pockets as well as $971 cash. 

Chavez was processed and held on $10,000 bail. He was remanded to Westchester Count Jail until his court date this week. The 18-year-old was released with a court date of June 26.