Police Chief Paul Nikas reports that the Ipswich Police Department arrested and charged a Chestnut Hill man with drug charges after responding to a report of suspicious activity from a local business owner.
DAMIEN THORNTON, AGE 40, OF CHESTNUT HILL, was arrested and charged with:
- Possession of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl)
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Cocaine)
On Wednesday, March 8, at approximately 4:24 p.m., Ipswich Police received a report from a local business owner of suspicious activity in the area of Topsfield Road.
The business owner reported that an unknown man and woman were dropped off at his business, and that the male appeared to be hiding several bags and backpacks behind his store.
Responding Officers Dan Holway and Dave Moore discovered the man, later identified as THORNTON, behind the business. Upon initial investigation Officers Holway and Moore determined THORNTON possessed numerous bags of personal belongings, with several items of drug paraphernalia in plain sight.
The officers were joined by Detective Edward Gallivan, who performed a field test to confirm that substances found on THORNTON’s person were fentanyl and cocaine.
THORNTON was taken into custody at the scene. During booking, it was learned that THORNTON was also wanted on three default warrants from local courts.
THORNTON was arraigned Thursday Ipswich District Court, where he was ordered held on $500 cash bail, while his bail on his previously pending cases was revoked.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.