Fugitive Found Hiding In Closet, Arrested On Drug Charges: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A wanted man was found hiding in a closet after police responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a home in Wallingford on Thursday, according to police.

Police responded to a home on North Orchard Street after a caller claimed that they heard someone screaming and it sounded like a physical altercation was taking place at the residence, according to Lt. Stephen Jaques.

Jaques said Wallingford officers had previously determined that 37-year-old Michael Apuzzo, who was wanted as a fugitive, lived at the home.

Arriving officers needed to force entry into the home, and found Apuzzo hiding in a closet, according to Jaques.

When they tried to handcuff him, Jaques said a struggle ensued and ultimately resulted in Apuzzo's arrest.

“In that same closet, officers discovered narcotics, paraphernalia, and packaging materials consistent with product being packaged for sale,” Jaques wrote in a news release.

Officers confirmed that Apuzzo also had an active warrant for his arrest on charges of first-degree escape and criminal possession of a firearm, according to Jaques.

Apuzzo was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance - second offense, interfering with officer/ resisting, and risk of injury to a child. He was scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 20.