Guns, High-Capacity Magazines Seized From Middletown Home: Police

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A convicted felon was arrested on several gun charges after an investigation that prompted a temporary road closure and a response from the Middletown Police Department’s SWAT Team, according to officials.

The SWAT Team, police negotiators and detectives from the department’s Major Investigations Unit responded to the 100 block of Newfield Street around 3:20 p.m. on Nov. 19, according to Lt. Brian Hubbs.

Hubbs said detectives obtained a search-and-seizure warrant for the home of 49-year-old Matthew Springman in connection with an ongoing "theft of firearms investigation."

Springman was suspected of stealing guns from another residence in Middletown and believed to be in possession of multiple high-powered rifles and numerous handguns, according to Hubbs.

“The area of Newfield Street was temporarily blocked for the safety of our community,” Hubbs wrote in a news release. “SWAT Operators approached the home utilizing our department’s rescue vehicle for the safety of officers and Springman’s neighbors. Negotiators were able to make contact with Springman using the vehicle’s PA system and he complied with their request to make contact via phone.

“Springman subsequently exited the residence peacefully and without incident. The roadway was reopened shortly after Springman’s surrender and police remained on scene to complete their search.”

Springman was initially taken into custody on two outstanding re-arrest warrants for second-degree failure to appear.

During the search of the residence, detectives recovered six handguns, eight rifles, 34 boxes of assorted ammunition, and multiple high-capacity magazines, according to Hubbs.

Hubbs said Springman is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.

Springman was charged with 14 counts of criminal possession of a firearm and one count each illegal possession of ammunition and illegal possession of high-capacity magazine. He was being held in lieu of a $250,000 bond with a court date of Dec. 16.