Last week’s parking violation in Bridgeport revealed a surprising turn of events as police discovered a firearm, cocaine, and nearly $2,000 inside a vehicle, resulting in the arrest of three individuals accused of operating a drug factory. While on routine patrol along Washington Avenue near Center Street, officers noticed a silver Chevrolet Malibu illegally parked in front of a fire hydrant. Upon investigation, they found the vehicle’s registration suspended due to insurance compliance issues.
The driver, identified as Christopher Cintron, aged 31, could not produce valid registration or insurance documents. During the traffic stop, an officer observed suspicious behavior from a rear passenger, later identified as 25-year-old Torrance McClain, who was seen adjusting an L-shaped object at his waistband.
McClain was asked to exit the vehicle and continued to adjust his waistband, further raising officers’ suspicions. A pat-down revealed that he was carrying a firearm without a valid pistol permit.
The subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 38.5 grams of cocaine, 624 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, a cell phone, packaging materials, and $1,908 in cash. Following these findings, Cintron, McClain, and a third occupant, Jaqwan Brooks, aged 30, were detained.
All three were charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell and operating a drug factory. Additionally, Brooks had his bond set at $35,000. Cintron faced extra charges for operating an unregistered vehicle, lacking proper insurance, and improper parking in front of a hydrant, with bail also at $35,000. McClain was further charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and illegal sale or purchase of a large-capacity magazine, with his bond set at $45,000.