UPDATE: The Old Saybrook Police Department reports that the store owner now thinks 13 handguns and three high powered rifles were stolen.
---
Old Saybrook Police have made an arrest in connection with a dozen stolen guns from Grouse Perch Gun Shop.
Thomas Russo, 25, was arrested late Tuesday night after a standoff with police. Russo was charged with burglary, larceny, and theft of a firearm. Russo is being held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court on Aug. 29.
When police went to Russo’s residence, he resisted and after an hour long standoff he was detained.
Police found the firearms as well as heroin. Police said this is still an active investigation and that more arrests and charges are possible.
The shop owner called police at 10:26 a.m. when he saw his store, which is located at 15 North Main St., had been burglarized. Police say the store owner came in Tuesday morning and found a front window was smashed.
"A stolen gun in the hands of the wrong person, a criminal, is something that's dangerous for all of us," said Chief Michael Spera. "[It's dangerous] for law enforcement and the public that we serve, so we need to get the guns back."
The investigation is active and more arrests and charges are possible. The police chief has authorized a $500 reward for information that leads to the seizure of the stolen weapons and arrest of the offenders.
If you have information you can contact the police at 860-395-3142.