West Haven Cops Recover Stolen Gun After Pair Flees Traffic Stop: PD

WEST HAVEN, CT — Two Bridgeport residents are facing multiple charges after an attempted traffic stop led to the recovery of a stolen gun, according to police.

On April 11 around 2:32 a.m., an officer on patrol on Elm Street noticed a vehicle displaying a misused registration plate and attempted to pull it over, according to police.

The driver fled at a high rate of speed, “driving recklessly, crossing into oncoming traffic and creating a serious danger to the public,” police said.

Police stopped pursuing the vehicle due to safety concerns, but later found it parked along Interstate 95, according to police.

One occupant was seen fleeing on foot. Officers found a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a high-capacity 31 round magazine nearby, and it was confirmed to be stolen out of Georgia, police said.

Police said Luis Eduardo Nazario Jr., 23, of Bridgeport possessed and discarded the firearm. According to police, he is a convicted felon on probation and prohibited from possessing firearms.

Nazario was charged with stealing a firearm, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, criminal possession of ammunition, and illegal possession of a large capacity magazine.

Police said they identified the driver as Keilonda Johnson, 27, of Bridgeport. Johnson was charged with engaging police in pursuit, reckless driving, second-degree reckless endangerment, interfering with police, unregistered motor vehicle, and misuse of registration plates.

Both were held on bond and appeared this week in Superior Court in Milford.