By Tiffany Williams –
STURBRIDGE, MA — A routine traffic stop on Main Street exploded into a major narcotics case after police say an officer uncovered hundreds of bags of suspected heroin, a violent arrest struggle, and a multi-agency manhunt.
Sturbridge Police say Officer Brandon Hill stopped a speeding vehicle near Brookfield Road around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16. What began as a traffic violation quickly escalated when the officer made observations indicating the possible presence of narcotics.
The vehicle’s occupants were identified as Nicholas Harrington, 32, of Holland, Massachusetts, and Joshua Conley, 34, of Southbridge, MA.
Police say Officer Hill spotted a small clear container in plain view in the center console containing a white powdery residue. A roadside investigation and search followed, leading officers to paraphernalia commonly used to ingest heroin and fentanyl, along with plastic baggies and balloons associated with street-level narcotics distribution.
The situation intensified when officers discovered approximately 150 bags of suspected heroin hidden inside a car wash mitt concealed in the trunk.
Harrington was placed under arrest without incident. Conley, however, allegedly resisted arrest, struggled with officers, assaulted one of them, and fled on foot into the Heritage Green housing complex.
Police launched a large-scale search involving Sturbridge officers, Massachusetts State Police Troopers, K-9 and Air Wing units, and CEMLEC drone operators. Conley was not found at the scene.
An arrest warrant was later issued, and Conley was ultimately taken into custody at his residence by Southbridge Police.
Harrington was booked at the Sturbridge Police Department and transferred to the Worcester County House of Correction. The vehicle was towed and secured due to the presence of controlled substances.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers conducted a more thorough search and recovered an additional 350 bags of suspected heroin concealed inside a sunglasses case within an envelope. Police also seized more than $600 in U.S. currency and three cellular phones.
Both men were arraigned Tuesday morning in Dudley District Court. Harrington faces one count of Trafficking a Class A Substance. Conley was arraigned on charges of Possession of a Class A Substance with Intent to Distribute, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest.
Police say the investigation highlights the dangers officers face during routine traffic stops and the continued presence of heroin and fentanyl in central Massachusetts.