Man Found With Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden man was found to be in the possession of a loaded gun and marijuana during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning, according to police. At around 2:30 a.m. on April 1, Hamden Police Officer Keron Bryce saw a motor vehicle violation in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Scott Street and conducted the stop on Langer Street, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Bryce smelled marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle and conducted a search. He found a loaded 9mm handgun underneath the passenger’s seat and a bag of marijuana inside the vehicle, according to Smith.

Smith said the passenger, Jquan Christie, “pushed” Bryce as he tried to handcuff him and began running eastbound on Langer Street. Bryce apprehended him after a short chase, according to Smith.

The 9mm gun was reported stolen out of Bridgeport, Smith said.

Christie, 21, of Oberlin Road, was charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of marijuana and interfering with a police officer. Christie, who was detained on a $50,000 bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on May 20.