Officers from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon Police) arrested a Goshen man and are seeking a second suspect after an investigation into possible illegal turkey hunting Monday turned into a case involving the alleged possession of illegal drugs. The case began unfolding Monday afternoon when EnCon officers observed a vehicle in a privately-owned wooded area off of Everest Hill, Cornwall. Given the nature of the location, the officers suspected there was illegal turkey hunting activity underway. Spring turkey season does not open until tomorrow (April 28).
When the EnCon officers entered the woods they came across two individuals dressed in camouflage clothing who fled on foot. After a chase through dense underbrush, EnCon Police apprehended Gary Hall, 54 of Goshen. The second suspect continued to flee. A police K-9 from Connecticut State Police Troop L was called to the scene to assist with the effort to apprehend him, which was not successful.
Hall allegedly informed officers that he and the second suspect had just planted 26 marijuana plants and intended to cultivate them. Hall consented to a search of his residence where he allegedly stated to EnCon Police officers that more plants were located. Based on Hall’s consent, EnCon Police officers along with troopers from Connecticut State Police Troop B searched Hall’s residence at 43 Park Rd., Goshen. They seized 241 more marijuana plants, more than $5,000 in cash and 17 rifles, shotguns and pistols at the home.
Hall was charged with Interfering with an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Sell.
Hall was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Superior Court in Bantam May 10.
EnCon Police seized the vehicle used in transporting the marijuana, which is allegedly owned by the second suspect. EnCon Police are currently seeking an arrest warrant for this person.
