Andover nursing home patient charged with possession of heroin

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP

— A patient at a township nursing home was arrested for allegedly possessing heroin after being out of the facility on a day pass, police said today.

Brian Vaxmonski, 55, was attempting to re-enter the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center when police were called to the facility for a report of an “out-of-control patient” who was threatening staff members, police said in a news release.

Police said Vaxmonski initially refused to allow staff members to search his belongings, contrary to a policy that requires all patients to have their property searched in an effort to keep contraband out of the facility on Mulford Road.

Vaxmonski subsequently calmed down and consented to the search by staff members, who found heroin, hypodermic syringes and drug paraphernalia in his possession, police said.

Andover police Lt. Eric Danielson said Vaxmonski possessed three small plastic containers and several wax folds containing heroin at the time of his arrest.

“It was more than one bag,” he said.

Vaxmonski was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, possession of hypodermic needles, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct. He was released on his own recognizance.

The incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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