ARRESTS MADE IN NEW HAVEN EXPECTED TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT POSITIVE IMPACT ON STEVENS STREET NEIGHBORHOOD

(12/19/2008) NEW HAVEN- A one-month-long investigation conducted by the State Narcotics Task Force-New Haven Initiative concerning a criminal street gang known as the “Grape Street Crips” concluded Thursday with the execution of a search warrant at 48 Stevens Street. The “Grape Street Crips” were using intimidation and violence in order to control the narcotic trafficking in the Stevens Street area of New Haven. Six arrest warrants were served as part of this investigation Thursday evening.

During the investigation narcotics were purchased from six subjects on numerous occasions resulting in the issuance of the arrest warrants for sale of narcotics. Seized from the residence, individuals and rear garage at this residence were the following: Colt .45 caliber pistol, $3,695.00 cash, packaging material, Crip gang literature, Crip colored beads and Crip colored bandanas. Seized from an adjacent rear yard were two boxes of .357 and .40 caliber ammunition. Arrested Thursday were 22-year-old Devell Conley of 48 Stevens Street on 5 outstanding arrest warrants for sale of narcotics and 29-year-old Lamont Reed of 834 Congress Avenue on 1 outstanding arrest warrant for sale of narcotics. Still outstanding are four individuals with active arrest warrants for sale of narcotics, investigation continuing.

New Haven Police Chief James Lewis believes that the successful execution of the search warrant and subsequent arrests will contribute to significant improvements in the Steven Street neighborhood.

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Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660