A Waterbury man has been arrested for alleged drug sales in Danbury. An investigation began weeks ago into resident complaints that Ramell “Mel” Crawford was selling illicit drugs from his car. He had been arrested by Danbury Police weeks earlier on drug and weapons-related offenses.
Investigators set up surveillance yesterday afternoon at locations he was known to frequent and located Crawford as he pulled into the parking lot of an apartment building. As police tried to carry out a search and seizure warrants for his car and person, Crawford abandoned his car and fled on foot.
He was captured a short time later and taken into custody.
No drugs were found on Crawford, but a substantial amount of heroin packaged for sale was found in the car. Police also seized money, a portable scale, and several grams of crack cocaine.
Crawford was held on $300,000 bond. Yesterday's arrest is his third for drug trafficking, two including weapons-related violations, in less than a year. He was released on substantial bonds from his previous two arrests.
He was charged yesterday with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with Intent to Sell, Possession with Intent to Sell within 1500’ of a school, Possession within 1500’ of a school, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia within 1500’ of a school, Operating a Motor Vehicle with Suspended License, and Interfering with the Duties of a Police Officer.
