Cops: Man caught with crack, other narcotics at restaurant

CROMWELL >> A North Road man was arrested and charged with multiple offenses over the weekend, including possession of cocaine and oxycodone.

Bryan Pantenella, 25, was taken into custody outside a fast-food restaurant at 19 Shunpike Road at 9:54 p.m. March 5, according to police. Authorities said Pantanella had previously been banished from the restaurant and told not to come back, but did Sunday night.

Pantanello was sitting in a car outside the restaurant when police arrived, Police Chief Denise Lamontagne said. Because he had been told not return to the business, Pantanella was arrested and charged with first-degree criminal trespass.

Pantanella allegedly struggled with police before he was subdued and handcuffed. Officer who searched him and his vehicle found 3.2 ounces of powder cocaine, crack cocaine and packaging material, the report detailed.

In addition, police “recovered a sheath knife with blade in excess of four inches in length,” Lamontagne said.

Pantanella was charged with first-degree criminal trespass, interfering with a police officer, two counts of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, failure to keep a narcotics in a proper container and carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle.

Pantanella was released on $5,000 bail and is due in Middletown Superior Court on Tuesday.