Crime & Safety
Convicted Felon Found With Gun, Drugs After Traffic Stop: Meriden Police
Police said authorities have been investigating the man on accusations of drug dealing in the Meriden area.
MERIDEN, CT — A convicted felon was recently arrested on gun and drug charges after a traffic stop in Meriden, according to police.
The Meriden Crime Suppression Unit and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency were investigating Johnny Irizarry this spring on accusations of drug dealing in the Meriden area, according to police.
Police said members of the CSU saw Irizarry driving in Meriden on April 29 and knew that he had an active arrest warrant on connection with motor vehicle charges.
Find out what's happening in Meridenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
After seeing him “engage in a narcotics transaction,” police said members of the CSU made contact with Irizarry and arrested him.
Police said the following items were found in Irizarry’s vehicle: a Glock 17 handgun with a high-capacity magazine, approximately 320 fentanyl folds weighing about 51 grams, approximately 71 grams of crack cocaine, four rounds of ammunition, and several digital scales.
Find out what's happening in Meridenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Irizarry is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm, according to police.
He was arrested on charges of criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating without a license. He was held in lieu of a $750,000 bond.
“The Meriden Police Department will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who illegally possess firearms or distribute narcotics in our community,” police wrote in a news release. “Our residents and visitors deserve to feel safe, and we will use every available resource to ensure that happens.
“The City of Meriden is proud to be served by some of the finest law enforcement officers in the State of Connecticut. Their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public safety are reflected in the work they perform each day to protect our community.
“If you come to the City of Meriden to commit crimes or endanger the public, you will be apprehended and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
See also:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
