Teen, 18, Arrested On Gun Charges: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — An 18-year-old resident was arrested on gun charges Friday night in Hamden, according to police.

Police responded to the area of Washington Avenue around 7 p.m. on March 31 on the report of “suspicious activity,” according to Sgt. Angela Vey.

The caller told police that they saw a man pacing back and forth between their property and several others for about 45 minutes, according to Vey. The caller gave police a detailed description of the man and it was broadcast to the responding units.

Vey said Officer Matthew Buccitti and Officer Oscar Soler arrived in the area and began searching for the person. Soler found a man, who matched the description given, on Colonial Drive near Whitney Avenue, according to Vey.

Once the man saw Soler, Vey said he ran between properties on Whitney Avenue. Buccitti then saw the man and chased after him, according to Vey.

Vey said the man was apprehended and taken into custody a short time later.

As a result of the investigation, Vey said a loaded 9mm handgun and ammunition were recovered and seized as evidence. No one was injured during the incident, according to Vey.

The man, later identified as 18-year-old Justin Ortiz of Hamden, was arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a firearm without serial numbers and interfering with an officer. He was held in lieu of a $50,000 bond and will appear in court later this month, according to Vey.