West Hartford's police chief helped stop a driver allegedly operating a car under the influence of drugs in Middletown.
Chief Tracey Gove was driving along Route 9 in Haddam when he noticed a car "traveling all over the roadway" on Friday, July 26.
According to Middletown police, Gove followed the driver as he got off Route 9 at Exit 11. Gove called dispatchers to report the driver, but pulled him over after becoming greatly concerned for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in the area. Gove was off duty, but was in uniform and in an unmarked police cruiser with lights and sirens.
After stopping the driver, Gove identified him as 25-year-old Ross Katten. The West Hartford Chief said Kattan appeared lethargic and admitted to taking Suboxone 45 minutes before driving his car. Suboxone is used to treat drug addiction.
Middletown officers arrived and interviewed Katten. He told officers that he was on his way to his doctor's office to get more Suboxone.
During a search of Katten's car, officers found marijuana and cocaine in the same plastic bag, according to police. Katten told the officers he had just bought the car two days earlier. He told police the marijuana was his, but that the cocaine was not.
Katten was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, operating under the influence and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released on $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
Photo Credit: Middletown Police