2 Arrested In Connection With Shootout Investigation: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — Two men were arrested outside the Meriden courthouse earlier this week in connection with a shootout that happened in another city, according to police.

Members of the Meriden Police Department’s patrol division found a stolen Nissan parked in the area of West Main Street near Grove Street on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Police determined that the stolen vehicle was recently involved in a “rolling shootout” with another vehicle where approximately 40 rounds were discharged, officials said. The shooting didn’t happen in Meriden.

Members of Meriden’s Crime Suppression Unit, the Special Crimes Unit and the patrol division set up surveillance on the Nissan and saw a man known to members of the crime suppression unit as Cameron Trenchard leave the Meriden courthouse and walk over to the stolen Nissan, according to police.

Police said officers converged on the Nissan as Trenchard began to enter it. He ran away, but was apprehended after a short chase, according to police.

The front-seat passenger in the Nissan, identified as Mekhi West, got out of the vehicle. Police said he began fighting with officers who tried to take him into custody.

While struggling on the ground with West, police said a stolen, loaded 9mm firearm with a high-capacity magazine was found in his waistband. West was eventually placed under arrest after a struggle, according to police.

Police said a high-capacity 50-round drum magazine was found inside the stolen Nissan.

“Ballistic testing revealed this firearm was used in numerous shootings in different cities throughout Connecticut,” police wrote in a news release.

Trenchard and West do not have valid pistol permits, which makes them prohibited from carrying a pistol, according to police.

Trenchard, 20, was arrested on charges of interfering with police, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, and possession of high-capacity ammunition magazine. He was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond.

West, 19, was arrested on charges of interfering with police, second-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit second-degree larceny, possession of high-capacity ammunition magazine, possession of weapon in motor vehicle, theft of a firearm, carrying pistol without a permit, and possession of narcotics. He was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond.