In a significant law enforcement operation, authorities in West Hartford apprehended an individual and uncovered a substantial quantity of illegal substances following the recovery of a stolen vehicle from New York City. The incident unfolded on Monday when police spotted a 2023 Acura TLX near the intersection of New Park Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. This discovery led to the arrest of Benny Goodman, a 30-year-old resident of Hartford, who was found driving the car with a child passenger. Upon inspection, officers seized various narcotics and cash, highlighting the complexity of the case.
The events began when the Community Support Unit of the West Hartford Police Department observed the suspicious vehicle around 2:39 p.m. Notably, the car had an incorrect license plate, which raised immediate red flags. Further investigation revealed that it had been reported stolen from New York City. When Goodman returned to the vehicle after shopping at a nearby plaza, he was promptly detained by officers. The presence of a child in the vehicle added another layer of concern to the situation.
Subsequent searches of the vehicle yielded alarming findings. Authorities discovered approximately 5.48 pounds of fentanyl pills, 70.5 grams of loose fentanyl, 272.15 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 4.88 pounds of marijuana, 48.9 grams of suspected Xanax, and 6.7 grams of suspected Oxycodone. Additionally, they seized $2,892 in cash. These discoveries underscored the scale of the illegal activities potentially associated with the vehicle and its driver.
Benny Goodman faced multiple charges stemming from this incident. He was charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance, operating a drug factory, possession with intent to sell over one kilogram of cannabis, possession with intent to sell narcotics and hallucinogens, possession of cannabis plant material exceeding five ounces, risk of injury to a child, motor vehicle larceny, first-degree larceny, and several motor vehicle-related offenses. The breadth of these charges reflects the severity of his alleged involvement in both drug trafficking and theft.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details about the source and distribution network of the seized drugs. Law enforcement is actively seeking public assistance and encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward anonymously through designated contact channels. This case exemplifies the collaborative efforts between different police units to combat criminal activities and safeguard communities.