Traffic stop leads to wrong-way driving, drug raid

WATERBURY, CT (WFSB) – A man who state police say was driving the wrong way in Waterbury over the summer is facing drunken driving, drug abuse and other charges.

They identified the driver as 51-year-old Robert Schwarz of New Milford.

A Southbury police officer reported that the driver of a gray Volkswagen Passat was driving north on Bucks Hill Road in Southbury with the interior lights on at approximately 10:30 p.m. on October 29th

As the driver passed, the officer reported seeing what appeared to be hand-to-hand movements between the driver and passenger, who quickly turned off the interior lights.

The officer followed the Passat and conducted a DMV query on the Connecticut license plate displayed on the vehicle.

The DMV query revealed it was actually a red Toyota Tacoma, state police said.

Due to the registration discrepancy, the officer activated the emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop.

However, according to state police, the driver of the Passat refused to stop.

He continued north on Main Street North in Southbury and then came to an abrupt stop, troopers said.

After stopping, the Southbury officer approached the vehicle and discovered an adult male driver, identified as Black, and an adult female passenger.

During the investigation, the officer discovered that State Police had an active warrant for Schwarz in connection with a wrong-way incident in Waterbury in June.

The DMV query also revealed that Schwarz had a suspended driver's license

Additional officers and police were on scene to assist with the investigation.

Due to the strength of the warrant, Schwarz was ordered to exit the vehicle and handcuffed.

During a search in connection with the arrest, approximately 2 grams of a white, rock-like substance was found on Schwarz.

He was released from Southbury police custody at the scene and issued a citation for a list of traffic violations. An arraignment has been scheduled for Nov. 12.

State police then took him into custody on the warrant and related charges.

Black was charged with illegal driving under suspension, failure to obey an officer's signal, engaging in a police chase, illegal operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to maintain proper lane, driving in the wrong direction on a divided highway, following too closely , use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree assault with a motor vehicle, first-degree reckless endangerment and obstructing an officer.

He was given a $500,000 bond.

During the arrest, state police said Schwarz complained of pain in his legs and was taken to an area hospital for treatment while still in custody

After his release from the hospital, Schwarz was scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 1 in Waterbury Superior Court.

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