A Jeannette man is behind bars after police said he tried to run from a traffic stop and had several types of drugs in his SUV, according to court papers.
Brandon A. Iapalucci, 28, told investigators that nine blue pills they found him in possession of were pressed fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration warned last year of an increase in fake prescription pills that are meant to look like legitimate medication but contain fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Iapalucci was being held on $100,000 bail at the Westmoreland County Prison.
Jeannette police said they were called to the intersection of Lafferty and Thomas streets at 5:40 a.m. Saturday for a report of a man passed out behind the wheel, according to court papers. Iapalucci appeared to be impaired and police said his driver’s license was suspended.
When police tried to handcuff him, Iapalucci is accused of running a short distance on Lafferty Street before being apprehended. An officer had cuts on his leg, knee and forearm from the chase, according to court papers.
Investigators said they found cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, two stamp bags of suspected heroin and the pills in Iapalucci’s car or in his possession. He is charged with flight to avoid apprehension, drug possession, driving under the influence and related offenses. Police said in court papers that he had previously been charged in at least six instances with driving on a suspended license.
Iapalucci did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A June 30 preliminary hearing is set.
