METHUEN — What started out as a suspected domestic disturbance turned into a fracas on 495 before police recovered a pound of marijuana and more than $10,000 in cash in the suspects' SUV, police said.
About midnight, a call came in to Methuen Police from a witness saying that two men in a white Acura SUV and one woman were engaged in a heated argument in the parking lot of the plaza at 126 Merrimack St., adjacent to I-495.
When police arrived, they found the two men driving in the car and the woman walking alongside it near the 495 ramp.
When police approached the Acura, both men jumped out and began running.
Officer Justin Law chased the passenger of the car, Andrew Howard, 23, of Ashland Street, Haverhill. Rather than comply with orders to stop, Howard turned to fight, and a wrestling match ensued on the exit ramp, police said. Law used his taser to subdue the suspect, who was then reported saying, "I won't do it again."
He was taken to Holy Family Hospital where he was treated and released into police custody. He was held overnight in the Methuen lock-up pending his arraignment today in Lawrence District Court on a variety of charges.
The driver of the vehicle, Richard Farrell, 25, of 171 East St., Methuen, was detained by another officer. Farrell complained of anxiety and was also transported to Holy Family for treatment. But as soon as he arrived at the hospital, he fled. Police will seek a warrant for his arrest today.
As police were taking an inventory of the contents of the vehicle, they found a pound of "green leafy substance believed to be marijuana" and $10,000 in cash stashed in various locations throughout the SUV, police said.
Howard has been charged with possession of a Class D drug with intent to distribute, possession of a Class D substance, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, threatening to commit a crime and illegal wiretapping. Police said Howard was recording the entire event on his cell phone.
Police will seek a warrant for the arrest of Farrell on charges of possession of a Class D drug and possession with intent to distribute.
The woman in the case, Kelly Hanagan, did not appear to be involved in any kind of drug deal and was not arrested or charged. She refused to speak to police.
