Bridgeport Police Arrest 19-Year-Old After Recovering Stolen Gun In East End

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Members of the Bridgeport Police Task Force arrested a 19-year-old man Thursday after recovering a stolen handgun in the city's East End, according to authorities.

The task force officers were working proactively near Central and DeKalb avenues when they observed Semaj Johnson, a convicted felon on supervised probation, according to Bridgeport police.

After a brief foot pursuit, officers saw Johnson discard a firearm, which was photographed where it was found and recovered while officers wore gloves to preserve evidence.

According to police, the firearm was identified through the National Crime Information Center as a stolen Glock pistol. Police said it was equipped with a 30-round large-capacity magazine containing 22 rounds, with one additional round chambered, as well as a laser aiming device.

As a convicted felon, Johnson is prohibited from possessing firearms.

According to police, the firearm will be submitted for forensic testing and entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, or NIBIN, to determine whether it is linked to other crimes.

Johnson was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a large-capacity magazine and carrying a pistol without a permit.

He was held in lieu of bail of $250,000, and was scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

The investigation is being led by Bridgeport Police Det. Keith Hanson, Det. Matthew Szymczak and Det. Kyle Lavin.