Man on bicycle delivers drugs to undercover cops

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A New Haven man was arrested Tuesday after attempting to sell illegal narcotics to undercover detectives.

Shortly after noon Tuesday, undercover detectives were approached by a panhandler while eating lunch at a restaurant on Chapel Street. The man said that in exchange for beer and money he would be able to provide illegal narcotics.

The detectives agreed to place an order for crack cocaine from the man, which he arranged by making a phone call.

A short time later, the dealer arrived riding a bicycle and made the deal with one of the detectives, while other undercover detectives watched.

After the deal was made the accused dealer, 24-year-old Richard Wells, of 526 Winthrop Ave., was arrested. The panhandler has not yet been arrested.

Detectives seized 17 bags of crack cocaine (2.6 grams), four bags of marijuana (2.8 grams), and $102 from Wells.

Wells was charged with possession of a narcotic substance, possession of a narcotic substance with intent to sell, possession of a narcotic substance with intent to sell within 1,500' of a school, sale of a narcotic substance, sale of a narcotic substance within 1,500' of a school, possession of 4 oz. or less of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance within 1,500' of a school, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1,500' of a school.

Wells is scheduled to appear in New Haven court to answer to the charges.