Bridgeport Man Arrested On Weapons And Narcotics Charges: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 23-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on weapons and narcotics charges Monday, after Bridgeport police said he was seen allegedly selling drugs before leading police on a brief chase.

Christian Gilbert was charged with the following:

• Carrying a Pistol without a Permit
• Interfering with Officers / Resisting
• Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine
• Possession with Intent to Sell
• Use, Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia

The incident began on State Street and Iranistan Avenue in Bridgeport, when authorities were alerted to a man "on a scooter carrying a bag selling illegal substances on the corner in front of the liquor store," wrote Bridgeport Police Capt. Lonnie Blackwell, M.S. in a statement. That person was later identified as Gilbert, and he is alleged to have "flashed" something at the complainant after offering him drugs.

Responding police officers saw the suspect, Gilbert, on a scooter, and as they approached him, "he fled on the scooter and subsequently engaged officers in a foot pursuit on Iranistan Avenue."

Gilbert was eventually captured in the rear yard of a property in the 200 block of Norman Street, and he "was found to be in possession of a black Glock 23 (.40 caliber) firearm with a large capacity magazine with 11 live rounds in the magazine and 1 live round in the chamber."

Additionally, police also found the following in Gilbert's possession:

• 39.3 grams of crack cocaine (26 green capsules, 6 clear plastic bags, 1 small capsule)
• 20.6 grams of heroin (70 wax folds)
• Drug paraphernalia (scale / grinder)

Gilbert was held in lieu of bail of $150,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court at a later date.

"Bridgeport police officers continue to proactively address violent crime daily while taking illegal guns off our city streets," Blackwell said.