Norwood Police seized nearly 50 grams of powder and crack cocaine that an alleged drug trafficker allegedly tossed from his moving vehicle as he fled police on Aug. 24. On Thursday morning, Sept. 4, Norwood Police located and arrested SANTO DE LA CRUZ LARA, AGE 41, of NORWOOD, charging him with multiple drug trafficking and traffic offenses. (Photo Courtesy Norwood Police)
NORWOOD — Chief Christopher Padden reports that, following an investigation, the Norwood Police Department has arrested an alleged drug trafficker after he fled from a traffic stop last week.
Norwood Police took SANTO DE LA CRUZ LARA, AGE 41, of NORWOOD, into custody early this morning, Thursday, Sept. 4, and charged him with:
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Distributing a Class B Drug
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Speeding
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Marked Lanes Violation
On Sunday, Aug. 24, at approximately 6 p.m., Norwood Police Officer Joseph DiBlasi Jr. was conducting traffic enforcement in the South Norwood area when he observed a vehicle whose registered owner had a suspended license.
When Officer DiBlasi attempted to stop the vehicle on Lenox Street near the railroad bridge, the driver initially pulled over but then fled at a high rate of speed, reaching nearly 90 miles per hour. The pursuit was quickly terminated for the public’s safety.
Shortly after, police received multiple reports that items were discarded along Pleasant Street from the fleeing vehicle. Norwood Police officers responded to the area and recovered numerous pre-packaged baggies containing nearly 50 grams of powder and crack cocaine.
As a result of an investigation, DE LA CRUZ LARA was identified as the suspect, and Norwood Police obtained a warrant for his arrest and took him into custody on Thursday.
“We want to commend Officer DiBlasi and the Norwood Police Department’s 4-12 shift for their quick action following this incident,” said Chief Padden. “Officer DiBlasi applied skills recently gained in a proactive traffic enforcement course taught by veteran NPD officers, an example of training directly supporting community safety.”
DE LA CRUZ LARA was arraigned on Thursday in Dedham District Court. A judge ordered him held without bail at the Norfolk County Correctional Center pending a dangerousness hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
The incident remains under investigation and additional charges may be filed.
“We’d also like to commend the observant community members who provided timely information that led to this seizure of a significant cache of narcotics,” said Chief Padden. “Every traffic stop can present unknown dangers, and our officers approach these situations with professionalism and care. This incident highlights how teamwork between officers and the public helps keep Norwood safe.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Norwood Police seized nearly 50 grams of powder and crack cocaine that an alleged drug trafficker allegedly tossed from his moving vehicle as he fled police on Aug. 24. On Thursday morning, Sept. 4, Norwood Police located and arrested SANTO DE LA CRUZ LARA, AGE 41, of NORWOOD, charging him with multiple drug trafficking and traffic offenses. (Photo Courtesy Norwood Police)
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