DUI Driver Found With Gun: Meriden Police

MERIDEN, CT — A driver accused of operating under the influence was found to be in the possession of a gun early Sunday morning in Meriden, according to police.

Police responded around 5:20 a.m. on Oct. 27 to a report of a white Ford Explorer with four occupants driving around in the 200 block of Camp Street, stop in the roadway, point a pistol out the window and discharge a round into the air, according to Sgt. Michael Boothroyd.

Boothroyd said police units were traveling to the area when they saw a white Ford Explorer driving very slowly south near 290 Pratt St. with several occupants.

A stop was conducted on Hobart Street at Arch Street, according to Boothroyd.

Boothroyd said the driver and vehicle owner, Luis Valdez-Imbaquingo, was detained along with several other occupants.

“While clearing the Ford, a handgun was located under the front seat,” Boothroyd wrote in a news release. “It was determined that Valdez-Imbaquingo was responsible for possessing the firearm.”

Valdez-Imbaquingo, 32, was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a weapon in motor vehicle, carrying a firearm while under the influence of drugs/alcohol, carrying pistol without permit, possession of large capacity magazine, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs. He was held in lieu of a $250,000 bond with a court date of Nov. 8.