WILLIMANTIC Willimantic Police say they arrested a convicted felon who was found in possession of a loaded handgun and drug paraphernalia during a routine traffic stop late on the evening of June 25.
According to the police, at around 11:50 p.m., officers pulled over a car that was unregistered and using registration plates improperly.
After being informed that he was being held, the driver, Richard Martinez, 34, got out of the car and tried to leave the scene.
After a brief pursuit, during which Martinez vigorously fought arrest, officers captured him.
Martinez had an active arrest warrant out of Norwich, police found out.
The Connecticut Deadly Weapon Offender Registry currently has him on it.
Martinez was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and a fully loaded Smith & Wesson.38 Special handgun with a defaced serial number.
Martinez was taken to the headquarters of the Willimantic Police Department.
In addition to operating under suspension, operating without a driver’s license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, and illegally altering a firearm, he was also charged with interfering with an officer, criminal possession of ammunition, criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Martinez was detained on a surety bond or cash of $250,000.
On Wednesday, he was arraigned in Danielson Superior Court.
