WEST HAVEN, CT — Two Bridgeport residents were arrested after a police pursuit that ended with the recovery of a stolen firearm.
A West Haven Police officer patrolling on Elm Street identified a vehicle displaying a misused registration plate at approximately 2:32 a.m. on April 11, 2026.
The vehicle’s operator fled at a high rate of speed when the officer attempted to stop it, driving recklessly and crossing into oncoming traffic.
Officers terminated the pursuit in the interest of public safety.
The vehicle was located shortly thereafter parked along Interstate 95.
Officers recovered a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a high-capacity 31 round magazine in the immediate area where one occupant had been observed fleeing on foot.
The firearm was confirmed to be stolen out of Georgia.
Police determined that Luis Eduardo Nazario Jr., 23, of Bridgeport had possessed and discarded the firearm.
Nazario, who is a convicted felon, currently on probation, and classified as a deadly weapons offender, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
He was taken into custody without incident and charged with stealing a firearm, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, criminal possession of ammunition and illegal possession of a large capacity magazine.
The vehicle’s operator, Keilonda Johnson, 27, of Bridgeport, admitted to fleeing from police.
She was taken into custody without incident and charged with engaging police in pursuit, misuse of registration plates, unregistered motor vehicle, interfering with police, reckless endangerment in the second degree and reckless driving.
Nazario and Johnson were held on bond and appeared in Milford Superior Court.
