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The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 21, when police conducted a traffic stop on I-95 southbound, about a mile south of Exit 42 in West Haven. The vehicle involved was a red Nissan Altima. After stopping, the passenger in the front seat, who has been identified as Lamont Watts of Seymour fled the vehicle.
Watts ran north into the woodline and then toward a residential area in West Haven. He had been observed by police carrying the backpack when he initially exited the vehicle.
After a brief pursuit on foot, police took Watts into custody. They discovered in the backpack a number of firearms, including two fully loaded handguns, one with a 12-round magazine and the other with a 30-round magazine.
At least one of the firearms was confirmed to be stolen from a municipality in Georgia.
Watts also had an active warrant for failing to appear in court.
The driver of the vehicle, who was immediately detained, was identified as Tyler Marriner of Bridgeport. He was charged with multiple misdemeanor motor vehicle charges.
Marriner was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Dec. 6.
Watts also faces multiple charges, including carrying a dangerous weapon, criminal mischief, interfering with an officer, resisting arrest, breach of peace, carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and more. He was held on a total of $250,500 cash/surety bonds and will appear in court on Friday, Nov. 23.
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