Officers Recover Stolen Gun, Stamford Man Charged: Police

STAMFORD, CT — Police said they recovered a stolen gun and arrested a 34-year-old man Tuesday after receiving information through their Crime & Gun Stoppers tip line.

Jason Simmons, of Stamford, was taken into custody around 9 a.m. Tuesday on the West Side, Asst. Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin said.

Simmons, a convicted felon with pending charges related to firearms violations and narcotics, according to Conklin, was charged with criminal possession of a firearm; criminal possession of ammunition; theft of a firearm; criminal negligent storage of a firearm; and two counts of risk of injury to minors.

The charges came with a $250,000 bond, Conklin said.

Police launched an investigation into Simmons after receiving information that he was in possession of a gun, Conklin noted.

The Stamford Police Department's Narcotics & Organized Crime Squad, along with uniformed officers and the K9 unit, set-up surveillance on Simmons and detained him when he exited his Perry Street apartment Tuesday morning, Conklin said.

A search warrant was executed on the apartment, and officers found a Walther .380 semi-automatic handgun which was loaded with seven rounds, Conklin said, adding that it was in a closet that was "easily accessible" to two young children who lived there.

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families was called, and a referral for the children was made, Conklin said.

Officers later discovered the gun was recently stolen out of Monroe, CT, along with a number of other firearms, Conklin said.

Simmons is scheduled to appear in court on May 2.

Conklin highlighted the department's Crime & Gun Stoppers tip line, which he said has led to many arrests.

"This is working very, very well for us," he said.

The program is supported by the Stamford Police Foundation and focuses on solving high priority violent crimes. The foundation offers $1,000 cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests.

The money is raised by the foundation, and does not cost the city of Stamford.

Tips can be submitted to 203-977-TIPS or by texting "Tip2SPD" plus your message to 274637.