New Haven Independent

Here’s what happened Thursday, according to police spokesman Officer Joe Avery:

Working from neighborhood complaints about drug dealing, the police department’s Tactical Narcotics Unit conducted a “buy/bust operation” at 12:45 p.m. in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Harding Place.

As part of the investigation, cops stopped a car on Sherman Parkway and recovered cash and crack cocaine from the front passenger seat. They arrested two 29-year-old New Haven men and charged them with a total of eight offenses, including possession of narcotics with intent to sell within 1,500 feet of a school.

Less than two hours later, at 2:15 p.m. the narc unit did another buy/bust operation at 55 Farren Ave. The squad was again working from neighborhood tips, which indicated that drugs could be purchased on the street or the front porch of the house. Cops arrested a 32-year-old resident of the house and seized crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana packaged for sale. Cops charged the man with five offenses, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell within 1500 feet of a school.

In other crime news, according to Avery:

Two cars were reportedly hit by bullets during a West River gun battle Thursday.

At 12:13 p.m. on Thursday, cops responded to a report of gunshots at 62 Derby Avenue. They were told that a silver car was seen leaving the area. There was also a report of a maroon vehicle that had been hit by gunfire. Police found glass and skid marks at the scene.

Ten minutes later, a caller said his 1999 Saab had been hit by gunfire on Chapel Street near Derby Avenue. Police recovered a bullet from the Saab.

For block-by-block year-to-date crime info, and daily crime maps, check the Independent’s crime log.