Meriden Man Charged After Crash,Foot Chase In Southington: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police took a Meriden man into custody Wednesday after police said he fled the scene of a motor vehicle crash on foot and was later found with a stolen, loaded handgun while wearing body armor, according to a department press release.

Officers responded on April 1 to the area of Interstate 691 and Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike for a reported crash.

Upon arrival, police determined that one of the drivers had left the scene and entered a nearby wooded area.

Officers launched a coordinated search using patrol units, a K-9 team, and a department drone operator.

A short time later, the driver, identified as Axel Lopez, 39, of Meriden, returned to the area and was taken into custody.

Police said Lopez was wearing body armor at the time of his apprehension.

During a pat-down, officers found a loaded handgun on Lopez.

The firearm was later determined to have been stolen from Bridgeport.

Police said Lopez is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Lopez faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, possession of a stolen firearm, criminal possession of body armor, carrying a pistol without a permit, evading responsibility, interfering with an officer, and several motor vehicle violations.

He was released after posting a $75,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on April 15.