Stolen Pistol Found In Car As Man Slept: Milford Police

MILFORD, CT — Police said officers found a stolen firearm in the vehicle of a Bridgeport man who was asleep in a Wendy's parking lot.

At 5:20 a.m. on June 21, officers responded to the Wendy’s at 718 Bridgeport Ave. for a report of a man asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle in the parking lot, police said.

The driver, identified as Joseph Kenyhercz, 40, of Bridgeport, was in the vehicle driving lane of the parking lot, police said.

When the officer approached the car, the officer saw Kenyhercz asleep in the vehicle and a firearm, a Springfield Armory XD. 45 caliber, on the seat next to him, police said.

Police said the officer immediately secured the firearm, and when Kenyhercz awoke, the officer ordered him to park the vehicle, police said.

Kenyhercz told the officer he was tired after being awake for a long time, and after getting something to eat, he was returning to Motel 6, where he was staying, police said.

The officer confirmed the firearm was stolen from East Hartford on March 14, 2021, and the officer found .45 caliber bullets in the vehicle, police said.

Police said Kenyhercz is a convicted felon.

Kenyhercz was charged with theft of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and weapons in a motor vehicle, police said.

Kenyhercz was taken into custody, police said.

Police officials said Kenyhercz posted a $25,000 bond and will appear in Milford Superior Court on July 19.