Suspects identified in mass New Haven overdoses

<p>Police have released the identities of two suspects in connection with more than 100 K2 overdoses in New Haven this week.</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 17, 2018, 7:12 PM

Updated 2,170 days ago

Share:

Police have released the identities of two suspects in connection with more than 100 K2 overdoses in New Haven this week.
Police say two suspects, John Parker, 53, and Felix Melendez, 37, are in state custody, while a third is in federal custody. They have not released the identity of the third man.
Parker has been charged with intent to distribute and Melendez was taken into custody for having K2 on him. Police say he was previously arrested for selling drugs on the green.
The synthetic marijuana caused a chaotic scene on the New Haven Green on Wednesday, where over 70 people fell ill.
Since then, officials have put the total number of overdoses at 114. No deaths have occurred as a result of the overdoses.
Police Chief Anthony Campbell says tests done on the K2 show it was contaminated with another drug called fubinaca.
Medical officials say it was a fast-acting form of the drug. Officials say some patients returned to the green after being discharged from the hospital only to overdose again.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal met with New Haven leaders Friday and called the situation a public health crisis across the country.
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp says she is looking into getting addiction specialists placed on the green.
Harp says President Donald Trump's drug czar nominee Jim Carroll is slated to visit the city Monday.


More from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park