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03/15/2010 12:00 AMAntonio Mauro, 29, of 186 Laurel Hill Road, Branford was arrested early Sunday morning after police investigated a complaint of gunshots being heard. When officers arrived they described numerous gunshots that sounded like a large caliber rifle coming deep from the wooded area, originally believed to be in North Branford.
At about 1:15 a.m. the Branford and North Branford Police Departments received several complaints of gunshots coming from the town line off of Brushy Plains Road near Farview Road.
When officers arrived they described numerous gunshots that sounded like a large caliber rifle coming deep from the wooded area, originally believed to be in North Branford. After searching in the woods for about an hour, officers determined that the gunshots were coming from Branford town property known as the Pisagh Brook. The property is located between Brushy Plains Road and Laurel Hill Road (click on the blue arrows below the photo above to see a map of area).
After searching in the woods for about an hour, officers determined that the gunshots were coming from Branford town property known as the Pisagh Brook. The property is located between Brushy Plains Road and Laurel Hill Road (click on the blue arrows below the photo above to see a map of area).Officers removed Mauro from the ATV at gunpoint without incident. A search incident to arrest revealed Mauro had several weapons. The weapons included a Norinko SKS rifle, a .38 caliber revolver in an ankle holster, a 9mm Kahr Arms semi-automatic pistol in his waistband and a 6" Renegade knife on his belt.
While approaching the gunshots on foot, officers observed a Yamaha Rino ATV which appeared to be stuck in a swamp. Antonio Mauro was on the ATV with a visible rifle on the seat next to him.
Officers removed Mauro from the ATV at gunpoint without incident. A search incident to arrest revealed Mauro had several weapons. The weapons included a Norinko SKS rifle, a .38 caliber revolver in an ankle holster, a 9mm Kahr Arms semi-automatic pistol in his waistband and a 6" Renegade knife on his belt. All of the weapons were fully loaded as well as three additional magazines for the 9mm pistol. While interviewing Mauro, officers determined that Mauro had taken more prescription medication than he was prescribed and he appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic substance as well.
All of the weapons were fully loaded as well as three additional magazines for the 9mm pistol. While interviewing Mauro, officers determined that Mauro had taken more prescription medication than he was prescribed and he appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic substance as well.Branford Police Department Press Release.
Mauro currently has a protective order as a result of a previous family violence arrest. That arrest prohibits him from possessing any firearms. It was learned that the firearms belong to another family member however all of the weapons were seized.
"These are very dangerous situations for police officers to investigate." said Chief John DeCarlo. "I'm very grateful that the officers weren't injured during this potentially life threatening situation as they have the potential to be critical."
Antonio Mauro was charged with carrying a gun without a permit, carrying a firearm under the influence, criminal possession of a gun, carrying a dangerous weapon, violation of a protective order, third degree criminal trespass, and violation of a town ordinance. He was later released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in New Haven court on March 15.