Fateful Text Message Leads to Drug Arrest in School Zone

A fateful text sent to the phone of a detained narcotics suspect led to the arrest of a Norwalk woman Thursday on drug charges, according to .

Around 9:52 p.m., several callers told police that multiple individuals were taking drugs in a car parked near 6 Observatory Pl. When officers arrived, they found a Black BMW parked at the scene with three people inside.

As they approached the passenger side window, the officers allegedly observed William Castro, 23, of 35a Couch St. crumple up a $5 bill containing a white power — later determined to be cocaine — and attempt to put the bill in his pocket.

Police said Castro ignored instructions to stop, at which point officers opened his door. When he refused to show his hands, officers reportedly tasered him and handcuffed him on the ground.

Police also arrested two other individuals seated in the car. Edward Abelard, 26, of 20 Glasser St. was found to be in possession of marijuana, police said, while Rebecca Ramirez was found to have cocaine in her pocketbook. Additional quanities of a "chunky white substance" were also found in the vehicle, police said.

While police were detaining the suspects, Abelard reportedly received a text on his cell phone reading: "I have five dimes if you need. -Lisa T." An officer texted back for the woman — later identified as Lisa Tamburri, 25, of 22 Noahs Ln. Ext. — to meet police at a nearby location in South Norwalk.

When officers intercepted Tamburri, they allegedly detected a faint odor of marijuana and located five bags of the drug on her. She was placed under arrest and her cell phone and vehicle seized.

After consulting a map from the Norwalk Planning and Zoning Department, police determined that both incidents had occurred within 1,500 feet of Brookside Elementary School, adding to the list charges.

Castro was charged with possession of narcotics, interfering with an officer, conspiracy, and sale/possession of drugs within a school zone. Bond was set at $25,000.

Abelard and Ramirez were both charged with possession of narcotics, illegal possession of drugs near a school, and conspiracy. Bond was set at $1,000 apiece.

Tamburri was charged with illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of a prescription drugs and sale or possession of drugs in a school zone. Bond was set at $25,000.