WILLIMANTIC — A routine traffic stop late the night of June 25 led to the arrest of a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia, according to Willimantic Police.
Police said officers stopped a vehicle at approximately 11:50 p.m. that was unregistered and displaying misuse of registration plates.
The operator, identified as Richard Martinez, 34, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee the scene after being advised he was detained.
Officers apprehended Martinez after a short pursuit, during which time he actively resisted arrest.
Police discovered that Martinez had an active arrest warrant issued out of Norwich.
He is currently listed on the Connecticut Deadly Weapon Offender Registry.
A search revealed that Martinez was in possession of a fully loaded Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with a defaced serial number, as well as drug paraphernalia.
Martinez was transported to Willimantic Police Headquarters.
He was charged with interfering with an officer, criminal possession of ammunition, criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit, weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal alteration of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating under suspension, operating without a driver’s license, misuse of marker plates, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
Martinez was held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond.
He was arraigned Wednesday in Danielson Superior Court.
