The apparent “Ghost Gun” at right was seized following the pursuit and apprehension of ELIJAH D. BRITTO-SEBASTIAN, AGE 21, of NORWICH, on June 20. (Photos Courtesy Town of Groton Police Department)
GROTON — Chief Louis J. Fusaro Jr. and the Town of Groton Police Department announce the arrest of a Norwich man armed with a ghost gun following a motor vehicle crash and foot pursuit.
On Saturday, June 20, at approximately 5:22 a.m., officers from the Groton Police Department responded to a crash in the area of Poquonnock and Laurelwood roads, Groton, involving a black Audi Q3 and a Volkswagen Beetle.
The Groton Emergency Communications Center (GECC) reported the operator of the Audi had fled east on foot toward Laurelwood Road.
At the time of his arrest, ELIJAH D. BRITTO-SEBASTIAN, AGE 21, of NORWICH, was in possession of an AR-15-style rifle lacking a serial number. He has been charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon
- Criminal Possession of Ammunition by Convicted Felon
- Large Capacity Magazine
- Manufacture of a Firearm Without a Serial Number
- Larceny 1st Degree
- Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
- Interfering
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (2 counts)
- Narcotics Not in Original Container
- Burglary 3rd Degree
- Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree
- Larceny 4th Degree
- Misuse of Registration Marker Plate
- Operating Under Suspension
- Evading Responsibility
- Following Too Closely
Further investigation revealed that BRITTO-SEBASTIAN is a felon on probation for firearms-related offenses.
Upon arrival at the scene of the crash, Groton Police officers observed front end damage to the Audi, as well as airbag deployment. During an initial investigation, officers observed indicators of narcotics possession and drug use in plain view inside the Audi.
A subsequent records check revealed the registration marker displayed on the Audi did not belong to the vehicle. Officers also learned the Audi had been reported stolen from Enfield on June 12.
A Groton Police Department K-9 team was deployed while officers established a perimeter surrounding the area.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., perimeter officers observed a man matching the description of the fleeing operator on Buddington Road. The individual attempted to evade officers by fleeing into a nearby wooded area but was apprehended a short time later.
BRITTO-SEBASTIAN was transported to Groton Police Headquarters where he was processed and held on a $500,000 court-set cash or surety bond.
“Our officers exercised restraint, good tactics and discipline when responding to this incident, resulting in no injuries to the suspect, law enforcement or the public,” said Chief Fusaro. “This case could have ended so differently if this individual decided to engage our officers. Fortunately, they successfully disarmed the suspect and took him into custody while also getting a dangerous weapon off the streets. That’s a job very well done.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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