Alleged crack dealer and customer lead Somerville police on high speed foot, car chase

On April 7, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

Two Somerville men in the middle of a cocaine transaction tried different methods to get away from drug unit cops Saturday morning in East Somerville.

Jose Perez, 35, of 65 Pinckney St., allegedly jumped out of a car and ran down Austin Street and began cutting through back yards on Pennsylvania Avenue to elude police. Joseph Galluzzo, 51, of 9 Austin St., allegedly stayed in his car and accelerated through a crowded parking lot and onto Mystic Avenue to get away.

Neither man was successful.

Police allegedly found Perez walking from the direction of Pennsylvania Avenue moments later. A search of the area turned up three bags of crack cocaine on the grass in front of a home on Pennsylvania Avenue. Police said Perez made incriminating statements after being read his rights.

Police searched the home of Galluzzo's mother but could not find him. Detective Mario Oliveira saw Galluzzo standing at a nearby bus stop and arrested him.

Perez was arrested and charged with possession to distribute a class B substance and conspiracy to violate a drug law. Galluzzo was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate a drug law, unsafe operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop for police.