Man Found With Loaded Gun After Tip To Stamford Police: PD

STAMFORD, CT — A Stamford man was arrested Monday after police said he was illegally carrying a loaded gun.

Luis Martinez, 39, was charged with possession of a pistol without a permit and illegal transfer of a firearm.

On Aug. 17, police received information that a man, later identified as Martinez, had a gun in the area of Soundview Avenue and Wardwell Street, Assistant Stamford Police Chief Richard Conklin said.

With the help of K9 and patrol officers, the Stamford Police Department's Narcotics and Organized Crime (NOC) Squad stopped a man matching Martinez's description who was riding a bicycle in the area shortly before 9:30 a.m., Conklin said.

A search of Martinez's crossbody bag found a KelTec .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun loaded with seven rounds, according to Conklin. Martinez was then taken into custody.

Martinez was given a $100,000 bond and remains in custody, Conklin said. He's scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 31.

"This was a nice job by Narcotics and Organized Crime, assisted by patrol, in this proactive firearm arrest," Conklin said. "We believe these arrests go a long way to keep our community as safe as it is."

The SPD is currently reviewing the tip information to see if it qualifies for a monetary reward. The department runs a Crimestopper program that offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to arrests involving violent crimes, illegal gun possession or wanted fugitives.

The program is sponsored by the Stamford Police Foundation. Tips can be called in at 203-977-TIPS.