Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 10/20/23
CONTACT: Sgt. Angela Vey-Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-3767
PIO #: 23-054 Narcotics and Firearm Arrest
On October 19th, 2023 at approximately 2:00pm, Detective Gabe Garcia was contact by Detective Michael Zerella of the Fairfield Police Department and notified him of an incident that took place in their town during the overnight hours. Detective Zerella advised that a female Victim reported that her vehicle was shot several times while it was parked unoccupied.
Following a thorough investigation by the Fairfield Police Department, four separate search warrants were obtained for the Victim’s ex-boyfriend, Christopher Naber, who resides at 42 Fairview Avenue in Hamden. The search warrants were for his home, his person, his vehicle and an RV that was located on the property. It should be noted that on September 16th, 2023, the Hamden Police Department arrested Naber for Disorderly Conduct as a result of a family violence complaint involving the Victim. At that time, a full no contact protective order was issued preventing Naber from having any type of contact with the Victim and also prohibited him from going to her residence.
Members of the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Unit, Intel Unit, Emergency Services Unit and Patrol Officers together with the Fairfield Police Department and members of the Bridgeport Task Force assisted with the execution of the search warrants. While Officers were removing a dog from the RV trailer, a potential improvised explosive device was located by a member of the Hamden Police Department Emergency Services Unit. The area was evacuated and secured and the New Haven Police Department Bomb Squad was contacted. After a thorough assessment of the device and surrounding area, it was determined that the device was not a threat, nor were any additional devices located.
The search continued and the Fairfield Police Department, on the strength of their search warrants, seized two forty caliber firearms, 40 caliber ammunition, several high capacity magazines and several spent 40 caliber cartridge casings. The Hamden Police Department seized a 45 caliber handgun, and one pound three ounces of marijuana from Naber’s bedroom.
The Hamden Police Department also seized 1006 tablets from Naber’s vehicle which were later determined to be Xanax. Naber does not possess a valid pistol permit.
Naber was placed under arrest and transported to the Hamden Police Department for processing. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Violation of a Protective Order, 3 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Possession of a Controlled Substance Within 200 Feet of a School.
Naber was held on a $100,000 surety bond and is scheduled to spear in Meriden Superior Court on October 20th, 2023.
No one was injured in the course of the investigation and the Hamden Police Department would like to thank members of the New Haven Bomb Squad, Bridgeport Task Force and Fairfield Police Department for their assistance in this incident.
Chief E. P. Reynolds: “I first want to commend my Officers and Detectives on a job well done. The work in this incident falls in line with our ongoing efforts to make the Town of Hamden the very safest community possible for our citizenry.”
Mayor Lauren Garrett: “Thank you to the Hamden Police Department for your swift response, keeping our community safe, and getting guns off the streets. October is domestic violence awareness month. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence please call the hotline at 800-799-7233.”