Stolen Handgun Found During Traffic Stop In Norwalk: Police

NORWALK, CT — A handgun reported stolen in Ohio and ammunition were found during a traffic stop Monday morning in Norwalk, according to the Norwalk Police Department.

In a news release, Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski said an officer noticed a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling westbound on Westport Avenue around 11 a.m. with an improper printed temporary registration plate affixed to the back of the vehicle.

The officer stopped the vehicle and found the driver, identified as Fredrick Jerome Pate, 25, of West Haven, driving with a suspended license, according to Podgorski.

Further investigation revealed the vehicle was unregistered and uninsured, Podgorski said.

Officers searched the vehicle and found a 9mm magazine loaded with seven rounds in the rear passenger area and a Taurus Arms G2C 9mm handgun in the trunk of the vehicle, Podgorski said.

According to Podgorski, the handgun's magazine was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and an investigation confirmed the firearm had been reported stolen in Ohio.

Further investigation determined Pate was the subject of two separate orders of protection which prohibit him from possessing firearms, according to Podgorski.

Pate was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, negligent storage of a firearm, two counts of illegal possession of a large capacity magazine, two counts of violation of an order of protection, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and insufficient insurance.

His bond was set at $200,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to Podgorski.