Loaded 'Ghost Gun' And Ammunition Recovered, Stamford Man Arrested: Police

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford man with several pending cases was arrested yet again on Wednesday after police recovered a loaded "ghost gun" and additional ammunition from his residence, according to the Stamford Police Department.

The SPD's Narcotics and Organized Crime Squad had been investigating Walbets Salcedo-Santiago, 23, for several weeks after receiving information that he might be in possession of an illegal firearm, Stamford Assistant Chief Richard Conklin said.

According to the CT Judicial Branch website, Salcedo-Santiago is facing a litany of charges stemming from three separate arrests in May, June and September of 2023.

The charges range from second-degree robbery and third-degree assault, to operation of a drug factory and possession of narcotics and possession with intent to sell, among others, the CT Judicial Branch website shows. He is out on bond on the prior charges.

On Wednesday at approximately 4 p.m., officers were conducting surveillance outside of Salcedo-Santiago's residence in the 100 block of Dale Street when they saw him getting dropped off in a car, Conklin said.

Officers moved in to apprehend him, but Salcedo-Santiago took off on foot and led police on a brief chase before he was ultimately arrested, Conklin noted.

A search warrant conducted at Salcedo-Santiago's home found a loaded 9mm Polymer "ghost gun," as well as a knotted bag containing 11 9mm rounds, Conklin said.

Ghost guns are virtually untraceable, and can be made through 3D printing or with parts purchased online.

Salcedo-Santiago was charged with illegal transfer of a firearm, failure to obtain a serial number on a firearm, and interfering with police. He was given a bond of $150,000 and was slated to appear in court on Thursday, Conklin said. His next court date is June 26.