WATERBURY, Conn. — A routine attempt to apprehend a wanted suspect on Tuesday escalated into a major police operation that resulted in seven arrests, the recovery of multiple firearms, and the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana, according to police. Officials say the chase began shortly after 10:30 a.m. and led officers to an apartment on Angel Drive, where they uncovered a significant drug and weapons operation.
Attempt to Apprehend Wanted Suspect Sparks Chase
According to a news release from the Waterbury Police Department, the incident began when members of the Vice and Intelligence Unit, Gang Task Force, and Auto Theft Task Force attempted to arrest 27-year-old Adam Guzman, a Waterbury resident with two active felony warrants. Police say Guzman tried to flee on foot after officers initiated a stop.
“Officers attempted to stop Guzman while he was inside a vehicle, but he fled the scene on foot,” Sgt. Joseph Morais said in the release.
Police apprehended Guzman moments later behind an address on Angel Drive, where the situation quickly escalated as other individuals became involved.
Multiple People Flee From Apartment During Foot Chase
While officers were taking Guzman into custody, police say the vehicle’s passenger, 27-year-old Ronnie Linnen, also ran from the area and entered an apartment on Angel Drive. That triggered further attempts to flee from inside the residence.
Officials say 25-year-old Alexander Diaz, 25-year-old Rayshawn Maxwell, and 30-year-old Rashaan Reeder, all from Waterbury, exited the apartment in an attempt to evade police. Within a short period, officers detained all individuals believed to be involved.
Large Quantities of Drugs and Cash Recovered
A subsequent search of the Angel Drive apartment revealed what officials described as a substantial drug distribution setup. Police seized:
- 400 grams of fentanyl
- 6 pounds of marijuana
- 3,440 bags of heroin/fentanyl
- 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine
- $23,461 in cash
Investigators estimate the total street value of the narcotics to be around $120,000, highlighting the scale of the operation.
“The items seized represent a significant disruption to illegal drug trafficking within the area,” Morais noted.
Guns, Including Stolen Firearms, Found Inside Apartment
In addition to the narcotics, police recovered three firearms:
- Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun
- Glock 27 (.40 caliber) — reported stolen from Hartford
- Glock 22 (.40 caliber) — reported stolen from Rocky Hill
Officials say the presence of stolen firearms underscores the ongoing danger posed by illegal weapons circulation in the region.
Charges Filed Against All Seven Arrested Men
Authorities confirmed that all seven men arrested in connection with the incident face multiple narcotics and firearms-related charges. Additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
Police also emphasized that the recovery of large quantities of fentanyl — a synthetic opioid contributing to overdose deaths nationwide — is critical to public safety efforts in Connecticut communities.
Growing Concerns Over Fentanyl and Community Impact
This incident reflects broader concerns about the rise of fentanyl distribution in Connecticut. The potent drug, often mixed with heroin or cocaine, continues to play a major role in overdose cases statewide. Law enforcement agencies have increased targeted operations in response.
Public safety experts say large drug busts like this one help reduce the immediate availability of dangerous substances, but ongoing community awareness remains essential.
Conclusion
Tuesday’s operation not only stopped a wanted suspect but also uncovered a significant drug and weapons network operating out of a residential apartment complex. With seven arrests, three guns, and large quantities of drugs off the streets, Waterbury officials say the outcome represents a major step forward in community safety.
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