Hartford firefighter ran alleged drug factory

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- A 14-year veteran of the Hartford Fire Department was arrested for running an alleged drug factory out of his home.

Rafael Diaz, 38, was arrested after Hartford police, state police ad FBI agents raided his home on Douglas Street in Hartford on Thursday night.

Inside, officers found and seized 3.8 ounces of cocaine, 1.4 ounces of marijuana, 1 ounce of hallucinogenic mushrooms, 39 ecstasy pills, a loaded Walther .22 caliber pistol, and $1,800 in cash.

Neighbors say it was quite a raid. All of a sudden police come down the street, not only vice and narcotics, but the Emergency Services Unit, State Police, and FBI. And then they crashed through the door.

Neighbors say they heard a large bang, almost like a small explosion and they went outside to see what happened.

"Boom," said Stephan Rozewski.

"What did they knock through the door," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"I don't know if the police make it, and I run out here and I look out here," said Rozewski, "and I am what is it?"

Diazo worked out of the Frog Hollow Station and police are looking into the possibility that he may have been selling drugs out of the firehouse.

Diaz has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

"Nothing surprises me," said Luis Bugos.

"It doesn't surprise you," asked Wilson.

"Nope," said Bugos.

Diaz has been charged with possession of narcotics, possession of hallucinogenic, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell narcotics, possession with intent to sell of narcotics within 1,500 feet of a school, and operating a drug factory.

Diaz was released on a promise to appear.