Man Arrested On Several Gun Charges: Wallingford Police

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford man was arrested Thursday on several gun charges, according to police.

Police responded to George Washington Trail around 11:40 a.m. on Jan. 2 after a caller reported that someone was breaking into their house, according to Lt. Stephen Jaques.

Jaques said officers searched the house, but couldn’t find any intruders.

“During the protective sweep officers located numerous firearms, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition,” Jaques wrote in a news release.

After further investigation, Jaques said officers determined the guns belonged to Joseph Zotter, who was the owner of the residence.

Zotter, 60, is prohibited from possessing firearms, according to Jaques.

“Officers secured a search and seizure warrant of the residence to continue their investigation,” Jaques wrote. “Officers served the search and seizure warrant the same day which yielded additional firearms, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition.

“Zotter’s roommate was a convicted felon and could not possess firearms either. Numerous guns were located in areas of the house readily accessible to Zotter’s roommate.”

Zotter was arrested and charged with violation of a protective order, four counts of criminal possession of a firearm, two counts of criminal possession of a pistol, six counts of negligent storage of a firearm, and six counts of possession of high-capacity magazines. He was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond with a court date of Jan. 3.