Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 4/3/2023
CONTACT: Sgt. Angela Vey-Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-3767
PIO #: 23-017
On March 31st, at approximately 7:00pm, Hamden Police responded to the area of Washington Avenue for a report of suspicious activity. The complainant stated that they observed a male pacing back and forth between their property and several others for approximately 45 minutes. The complainant gave a detailed description of the male and it was broadcasted to the responding units.
Officer Matthew Buccitti and Officer Oscar Soler arrived in the area and began searching for the subject. Officer Soler located a male, who matched the description given, on Colonial Drive near Whitney Avenue. As soon as the male observed Officer Soler, he fled Northbound on foot between properties on Whitney Avenue. Officer Buccitti spotted the male and immediately gave chase on foot. The male was apprehended and taken into custody a short time later. As a result of the investigation a loaded 9mm handgun and ammunition were recovered and seized as evidence. No one was injured during this incident.
The male, later identified as Justin Ortiz, 18 of Hamden, was arrested and charged with Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, Possession of a Firearm Without Serial Numbers and Interfering with an Officer. Ortiz was held on a $50,000 bond and will appear in court later this month.