YARMOUTH – Yarmouth Police report that on Tuesday evning at approximately 5:50 PM, members of the plain clothes Proactive Anti-Crime (PAC) Unit observed two subjects in a vehicle acting suspicious in Wendy’s Parking Lot and then in the nearby Longfellow’s Plaza both located on Old Townhouse Road in South Yarmouth.
Parking lots have become common places for illegal drug use and distribution and the Police Officers observed two white males sitting in the vehicle, a green 1999 Buick Regal, and subsequently approached them.
Once at the driver’s window, Officers observed the operator holding a rolled up $10.00 bill in his hand and a cell phone on his lap with small lines of white powder on the face of the phone. The operator, identified as Phillip C. Santangelo, 38, of Hyannis, was about to snort the lines of white powder when encountered. The front passenger Michael D. King, 27, of Harwich was about to inject a hypodermic syringe containing tan liquid into his arm.
(l-r) Phillip C. Santangelo, Michael D. King
Upon seeing the police Officers, Santangelo attempted to throw the phone with the powder down between his seat and center console causing much of the powder to become airborne and fall on to his clothing and items in the vehicle. Additional powder was recovered and subsequently tested positive for heroin and fentanyl.
Both subjects were immediately placed under arrest and transported to Yarmouth Police Department Headquarters.
One of the Proactive Crime Unit Officers was contaminated by the Fentanyl and suffered a medical reaction. The Officer suffered facial swelling and breathing difficulties and was transported to Cape Cod Hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the Officer recovered and returned to work.
Both subjects were charged with possession of a Class A substance. Upon completion of the booking process, both subjects were released on Personal Recognizance after paying the $40.00 Bail Commissioner fee.
Both were scheduled for arraignment in the Barnstable District Court Wednesday.
Media release and photos furnished by Yarmouth Police
