Driver Rammed Police Cruisers After Drug Deal: West Haven Police

WEST HAVEN, CT — A suspected drug dealer is accused of ramming several police cruisers while trying to flee from a traffic stop Friday night in West Haven, according to officials.

Police were conducting undercover patrols of an apartment complex on Nov. 13 due to reported narcotics activity, officials said. After the Street Crime Unit saw a drug transaction between the driver of a white sedan, identified as Daris Best, and an unknown person in the apartment complex, police said.

Police conducted a motor vehicle stop a short distance away. While officers were standing next to Best’s vehicle, he attempted to flee and almost struck several officers while ramming several police vehicles, according to police.

After a brief struggle, Best was removed from his vehicle and taken into custody, police said.

Two officers suffered minor injuries and were treated by medical personnel at the scene, according to police.

Police found 14 grams of crack cocaine, 6 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture that were packaged for street-level sales and nearly $2,000 in cash, according to officials.

Best was arrested on three counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to sell narcotics, two counts of third-degree criminal mischief, one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia, assault on a police officer, interfering with police, first-degree reckless endangerment and several motor vehicle charges.

Best was released after posting a $150,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court.