Fitzgerald Francois, 23, of 101 Summer Street in Stamford was arrested twice by Greenwich Police on charges related to an incident on Halock Drive in Pemberwick on Aug 1, 2016.
According to Greenwich Police, detectives from their Narcotics section initiated an investigation on Aug 1 at about 6:35pm. After receiving numerous anonymous tips from concerned residents about possible drug activity in the area, detectives conducted visual surveillance of Pemberwick Park area.
Detectives observed a silver Subaru WRX parked on Halock Drive occupied by two people, including the driver who they recognized from past narcotics investigations as Fitzgerald Francois.
According to the Greenwich Police report, as the detectives approached the car, they detected the odor of marijuana. Mr. Francois suddenly started the car and accelerated at a high rate of speed.
Detectives searched the area and located Mr. Francois’ vehicle parked a short distance away in a residential driveway. Mr. Francois fled the scene on foot while holding a package. He was later located, stopped and detained by patrol officers.
Further inspection of the scene revealed that Mr. Francois’ vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a parked car in the residential driveway. Also, a bag of marijuana was located on the ground by the driver’s door.
The Greenwich Police K9 assisted the search of the area, revealing a heat sealed bag and clumps of marijuana spread abound the Byram River. Officers located two witnesses who identified Mr. Francois as the man they saw running with the package and emptying it in the Byram River.
Mr. Francois was arrested and charged with Reckless Driving and Evading. He was issued a $250 bond and released from police custody.
In following days, detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant for Mr. Francois’ Subaru, which was towed from the scene and secured at Greenwich Police headquarters.
Police located additional evidence inside the Subaru including a digital scale, plastic baggies used to package marijuana, cash proceeds from a recent marijuana sale, which, according to Greenwich Police suggested that Mr. Francois was actively selling marijuana. Additionally , Mr. Francois’ cell phone was found and numerous incoming text messages from people seeking to purchase marijuana were observed.
After a warrant was obtained, Mr. Francois turned himself in on Aug. 23 to Greenwich Police and was charged with Interfering with an Officer, Reckless Endangerment 1st degree, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Sale of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell, Possession of Marijuana. He was unable to post the $75,000 court set bond and kept in police custody as he awaits a court date of Aug. 31 in Stamford Superior Court.