SHARE

Norwalk Man Charged With Manslaughter After Fatal Overdose

NORWALK, Conn. -- An accused Norwalk drug dealer has been charged with manslaughter following the overdose death of a man in Norwalk on July 22, according to police.

Eric Frank

Eric Frank

Photo Credit: Norwalk Police Department

The fatal overdose was one of seven overdoses reported in Norwalk on July 22, all involving crack cocaine laced with Fentanyl, police said. When police responded to an overdose at 28 Quaker Road, they found a male identified as Michael McMurray in a vehicle at that address. McMurray was taken to Norwalk Hospital, where he died.

That day, police arrested 29-year-old Eric Frank of Norwalk on a narcotics charge, and later identified him as a suspect in McMurray's death, according to police. Frank was arrested at the Norwalk courthouse on Friday and charged with first-degree manslaughter and sale of narcotics. His bond was set at $150,000.

Frank was also charged with second-degree assault and sale of narcotics in connection with another overdose that day. In that overdose, which took place on Suncrest Road, the victim survived, according to police.

Frank was the second person arrested on Friday in connection with the July 22 overdoses. Police also arrested Derrick Wiggins of Waterbury and charged him with second-degree assault and sale of narcotics.

Related story: Accused dealer charged with assault in Norwalk overdose

A total of seven overdoses occurred throughout the day on Saturday, July 22 at various locations throughout Norwalk, all involving crack laced with opiates, according to police. In addition to McMurray, there was one other fatal overdose that day. 

That night, police arrested Frank after setting up an undercover drug purchase from him in the Best Buy parking lot. When officers closed in on Frank, he resisted arrest and a struggle ensued, according to police. At one point he kneed an officer in the groin before police eventually subdued him, according to police. They recovered 3.53 grams of cocaine, which was laced with Fentanyl, police said.

Related story: Norwalk man charged with trying to sell opiate-laced crack

Police said that after his arrest, Frank was taken to Norwalk Hospital to be treated for minor injuries that he sustained. While at the hospital, he was somehow able to obtain a handcuff key and tried to undo his shackles, but police were able to quickly secure him and recover the key, police said.

Frank was charged at the time with assault on a police officer, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of narcotics within 1,500 feet of housing, possession of narcotics with intent to sell within 1,500 feet of housing, interfering with a police officer and first-degree criminal attempt escape.

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE