Stamford Teen Found With Illegal Ghost Gun, Ammunition: Police

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department said Thursday a 17-year-old has been charged after officers found him in possession of a loaded illegal ghost gun. The boy's name was not released due to his age.

Asst. Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin said the department's Narcotics & Organized Crime Squad received information in recent weeks from the Crime & Gun Stoppers tip line that the teen had a ghost gun with a high capacity magazine. Ghost guns are virtually untraceable, and can be made at home using parts purchased online.

On Wednesday night, officers set-up surveillance on the boy, who was walking after dark on the West Side and continuously clutching under his left armpit, Conklin said.

Officers decided to move in on Powell Place, and they found a loaded .40 caliber polymer ghost gun with 30 rounds loaded in a high capacity magazine in the boy's possession, Conklin said.

At the teen's home, officers spoke to his mother who gave consent for their residence to be searched. In the teen's bedroom, officers located a 50 round drum magazine containing 47 .40 caliber rounds.

The teen was charged with possession of a pistol without a permit; manufacturing a firearm without a serial number; and two counts of illegal possession of a high capacity magazine.

Conklin said the teen was remanded to the SPD's youth division, who then transferred him to the Bridgeport Juvenile Detention Center. The teen was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Conklin praised the "really good, proactive work" by the officers involved.

"We're relieved to have this illegal ghost gun taken off the streets," he said.