Handgun Found During Vehicle Stop In Naugatuck: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — Officers found a handgun with an obliterated serial number inside a vehicle that was stopped early Thursday morning in Naugatuck, according to police.

In a news release, police said the vehicle was stopped around 12:15 a.m. after officers received information about a vehicle with a cancelled registration plate in the area.

Officers spoke with the driver, Carlos Ortiz Jr., 18, of Naugatuck, and determined he did not have a valid driver's license or valid insurance for the vehicle, police said.

Officers spotted a handgun in the vehicle which, upon further investigation, was found to have its serial number scratched off, according to police.

The handgun also contained a large capacity magazine, which was loaded with more than ten rounds of ammunition. Ortiz did not have a valid pistol permit, police said.

Ortiz was arrested and charged with weapons in a motor vehicle, altering or removing identification marks on a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and possession of a large capacity magazine, as well as several motor vehicle charges.

Ortiz was held on a $100,000 bond and was scheduled to be arraigned in court Thursday morning, according to police.