MERIDEN — Meriden Police Department officers have arrested a man on multiple narcotic charges following proactive patrols in the downtown area.
During September and October, evening patrol division members observed a 2005 Hyundai Elantra, with misuse plates, engaging in what seemed to be narcotic transactions near the Meriden Green.
On Oct. 9, Officers Martino and Merrill performed a traffic stop on the Elantra at the intersection of Pratt Street and Benjamin Street.
Upon being stopped, the two occupants of the vehicle exited the car but were instructed to get back inside.
The front seat passenger, identified as Tyrell Lockhart, born Jan. 17, 1988, began ingesting what appeared to be illegal narcotics.
When officers approached him, Lockhart grabbed an object from the center console and tried to hide it in his waistband.
Lockhart was detained after he spat out the narcotics and attempted to destroy them.
Officers recovered the substances, which were later confirmed to be illegal narcotics.
Lockhart was then transported to the Meriden Police Department, and the vehicle was towed from the scene.
Lockhart has been charged with interfering with police, possession of narcotics with intent to sell greater than 1/2 oz of crack cocaine, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, and misuse of registration plates.
He is held on a $75,000 bond.
