Crime & Safety

Monroe Man Facing Drug Charges After Accident

He allegedly rear-ended another car while under the influence of heroin, according to police.

A Monroe man is facing drug charges after he allegedly rear-ended a car last month while under the influence of heroin.

Police received a report of a drug overdose on Feb. 13 at about 1 p.m. in the area of Dixwell Avenue and George Street, according to Hamden Police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith. But when officers arrived, they found that a car accident had occured at the location, Smith said.

The driver of the car that had rear-ended another car, identified as Laurance Bardinelli, 25, of 1 Castlewood Drive, Monroe, was unconscious, Smith said.

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"Further investigation revealed that Bardinelli had used heroin, became unresponsive and then rear-ended another vehicle," Smith said in a release. Bardinelli was taken to Yale – New Haven Hospital for treatment, he said.

When officers searched Bardinelli’s vehicle, they found seven wax folds of heroin weighing 1.5 grams, Smith said.

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Officer Matthew Barbuto, who investigated the incident, submitted a warrant application for Bardinelli's arrest, Smith said, which was subsequently approved by the court.

On Monday, Bardinelli was charged with possession of narcotics, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and operating without insurance. He was arraigned later in the day at Meriden Superior Court.


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