Shooting Victim Arrested on Gun Charges

A robbery and shooting victim was arrested on gun charges after police discovered he was in possession of a stolen 9 mm handgun.

Hamden police responded to the area of Bowen Street and Cherry Ann Street on the reports of shots fired around 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, Capt. Ronald Smith said in a press release.

Smith said investigation revealed that Johnnie Searight Jr. and a 24-year-old female friend were walking on Bowen Street, at which time they were approached by two individuals.

The individuals forcibly stole their cell phones and jewelry. Searight was shot during the robbery. The victims described the individuals responsible as black males, 6-feet, 2-inches to 6-feet-5-inches tall, who are in their late 20s.

Searight suffered a gunshot wound to the forearm. He was subsequently found in the possession of a stolen 9 mm handgun. He was transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital for medical treatment.

Shortly thereafter, Searight was discharged from the hospital and was promptly arrested and transported to Hamden Police Headquarters, according to Smith.

Searight, 31, of 65 Cherry Ann Street in Hamden, was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and theft of a firearm. He was detained on a $100,000 bond. Searight is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on June 17.

In addition, Searight was charged on the strength of two arrest warrants for violation of probation.

Detective Joseph Liguori is conducting the investigation.

Johnnie Searight Jr., 31, of Cherry Ann Street. Hamden Police Department photo