What started as a drug bust in Watertown turned into a harrowing chase when a convicted felon with a stolen handgun struck a police cruiser and led detectives into the woods, according to police.
Investigators arrived Tuesday afternoon at a home on Franklin Avenue in the Oakville section of town. They expected to search the residence as part of a two-month-long investigation into complaints of drug activity there.
Police watched as 56-year-old resident Carl Giordano allegedly made a hand-to-hand heroin deal with the driver of a silver Acura, later identified as 27-year-old Brandon Sapp, a convicted felon from Waterbury, according to police.
When police approached to arrest Giordano, Sapp drove off, narrowly missing police cruisers parked in the area. Police said he turned right onto Sylvan Lake Road, then pulled into the driveway of the Grand Oak Villa, where he turned around and struck a police car.
According to police, Sapp got out and ran into the woods near Sylvan Lake. Police said Sapp started kitting a K-9 that was sent into the woods after him.
Sapp was taken into custody and found with 380 bags of heroin and about $1,000 cash. Police discovered three 9mm magazines on the floor of the Acura and found a stolen Beretta handgun that Sapp had thrown out the window during the chase, police said.
He was taken to Waterbury Hospital for a medical evaluation and is facing numerous charges, including drug, motor vehicle and firearm offenses, second-degree assault, two counts of assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer, breach of peace, violation of a protective order and engaging an officer in pursuit, among others.
Local
“Sapp is a dangerous felony offender and was apprehended coming into Watertown to sell a significant amount of heroin while armed with a stolen 9mm handgun,” Deputy Chief R.J. Desena of the Watertown Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.
According to online court records, Sapp has been convicted of third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, possession of narcotics, violation of a protective order and other charges.
Sapp’s bond was set at $500,00.
Giordano was arrested at the scene, still holding heroin from the drug deal, according to police. He was found in possession of 10 bags of heroin and drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $6,000.
Both suspects are due in court tomorrow.
