Man With 'Violent' History Found With Airsoft Gun Arrested: Norwalk PD

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk man who was found dressed in camouflage and lying on a bike path with an airsoft gun was arrested Thursday morning, according to police.

In a news release, Police Sgt. Ryan Evarts said officers were called to the intersection of Maple Street and Van Buren Avenue around 9:15 a.m. after receiving a report of a man in camouflage holding what appeared to be an assault rifle.

Officers checked the area and found Brandon Wagshol, 26, of Norwalk, lying prone on a bike path behind Lynes Place, Evarts said.

According to Evarts, Wagshol was dressed in full camouflage with an AK-47 styled assault rifle, which was determined to be an airsoft gun, on the ground next to him.

Wagshol was arrested on charges of illegal use of a facsimile firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon and second-degree breach of peace.

His bond was set at $500,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to Evarts.

Evarts also noted Wagshol has an "extensive and violent history" and is is currently on probation and prohibited from possessing firearms.

In August 2019, Norwalk police detectives, who were assisted in their investigation by federal authorities, accused Wagshol of trying to build a rifle and obtain high-capacity magazines via the internet from out-of-state sources.

At the time, police seized an arsenal of firearms from the Bedford Avenue home where Wagshol lived with his father; the weapons were registered to his father.

See also:

• Norwalk Man In Mass Shooting Case Sentenced To Prison: Report
• 3-Year Sentence Offered To Norwalk Mass Shooting Threat Suspect
• Suspect In Norwalk Mass Shooting Threat Case Denied Computer

In early 2020, while he was out on bail following the August 2019 arrest, police arrested Wagshol and said he assaulted his father with a pipe.

He was sentenced to four years in prison in June 2021 as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. He was also ordered to serve five years of probation following his incarceration and was required to register with a deadly weapon registry, which would prohibit him from owning guns.

Earlier in the day, police said on Facebook patrol officers were called to the intersection of Maple Street and Van Buren Avenue after receiving a report of an armed subject who had been arrested.

They also noted this was an isolated incident and there was no danger to the public.