Chief Patrick Keefe
32 North Main St.
Andover, MA 01810
For Immediate Release
Monday, March 20, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Photo: Andover Police Arrest Armed Drug Dealer, Seize Over 100 Grams of Heroin
ANDOVER — Chief Patrick Keefe reports that the Andover Police Department arrested an armed man over the weekend who was allegedly dealing drugs out of a hotel room where he was staying with two children.
As a result of an investigation, CHAY JOMAR GONZALEZ-MENDEZ, AGE 26, OF LAWRENCE was arrested and charged with:
- Trafficking in Heroin Over 100 Grams
- Possession of a Firearm Used in a Felony
- Possession of Firearm without a License
- Unsecured Firearm
- Wanton or Reckless Behavior to a Child
- Receiving Stolen Property Over $250
On Saturday, March 18, Andover Police Detectives in the Substance Abuse Unit, along with assistance from Tewksbury Police Detectives, conducted an investigation into reports of narcotics sales on River Road in Andover.
Based on information received by detectives over the course of their investigation, it was determined that an individual, later identified as GONZALEZ-MENDEZ, was allegedly selling heroin in the area. The investigation determined that GONZALEZ-MENDEZ was running his operation out of a hotel room in that area. Andover Detectives were able to secure a search warrant for the hotel room where GONZALEZ-MENDEZ was staying with several other individuals. During the investigation, detectives learned that the other occupants were juveniles, ages 14 and 17.
While executing the search warrant, detectives found a loaded Glock semi-automatic handgun, more than 100 grams of heroin and $1,000 cash. A check on the gun determined that it had been stolen from Manchester, N.H. in 2012.
“This is a great example of teamwork between law enforcement agencies and street-level detective work that was executed in a methodical and professional manner, ultimately removing a dangerous drug dealer from our community,” Chief Keefe said.
GONZALEZ-MENDEZ was held pending his arraignment Monday in Lawrence District Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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