Two individuals have been arrested in East Haven after being found in possession of a firearm during a motor vehicle stop.

On Aug. 25 at approximately 1:53 a.m., an alert citizen called East Haven Police Dispatch to report a suspicious vehicle traveling through their neighborhood. The caller stated the occupants of a dark colored sedan were seen checking the door handles of vehicles parked in driveways. The last known direction of travel of the suspicious vehicle was provided to officers en route to the area.

Upon arrival to the area, Officer Jayqwan Wilkins observed the vehicle in question, a black 2011 Honda Accord, stopped in the middle of Laurel Street. Upon noticing Officer Wilkins, the operator of the vehicle, later identified as Christopher Rodriguez-Mitja,19, of New Haven, continued to drive north on Laurel Street before turning on to Nicole Court, which is a dead end. The vehicle came to a stop at the end of Nicole Court and Officer Wilkins made contact with Rodriguez-Mitja and his passenger identified as Ron Calderon, 19, of East Haven. Further investigation led to the discovery of several spent 9mm shell casings throughout the vehicle along with a loaded 9mm handgun. Due to their age, neither individual in the vehicle were eligible to possess a valid pistol permit or legally carry a handgun.

Both individuals were placed under arrest and were taken into custody without further incident. They were transported to the East Haven Police Department where they were processed.

Rodriguez-Mitja was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle, illegal possession of cannabis, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and misuse of marker plates.

Calderon was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, weapons in a motor vehicle, illegal possession of cannabis.

Rodriguez-Mitja and Calderon were held on $10,000.00 bonds and are scheduled to appear in court on Sept,7 a in New Haven.

Police remind residents to remain vigiliant, lock their vehicles at night, and to be sure that valuable belongings are brought in at the end of the night.