Suspected Car Thief Found With Loaded Gun: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A man suspected of stealing a car out of North Haven was found to be in the possession of a loaded .357 Magnum revolver following a foot chase, according to Hamden Police. At about 11:30 p.m. on July 5, Hamden Police Officer Kyle Sampognaro observed a stolen motor vehicle traveling in the area of Newhall Street and Marlboro Street. The vehicle was reported stolen in North Haven, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Sampognaro subsequently lost sight of the vehicle and Officer Timothy Brown later located the stolen vehicle traveling in the area of Shelton Avenue and Goodrich Street, according to Smith. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

A motor vehicle stop on Hazel Street in New Haven was conducted and two of the occupants fled on foot, according to Smith.

Smith said the front passenger, Tavon Jones, was detained and a loaded .357 Magnum revolver was located in close proximity to him. Jones was promptly arrested and transported to police headquarters.

Jones, 22, of Victory Drive in New Haven, was arrested on charges of carrying a pistol without a permit, weapon in a motor vehicle and first-degree larceny. Jones is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on July 19.

The investigation is continuing, according to Smith.

Pictured: Tavon Jones, 22, of New Haven / Hamden Police Department