Hartford police responded to a domestic violence call Tuesday and made a shocking discovery at the home of a city fire firefighter. Police say they found unbelievable amounts of ammunition and unsecured weapons in his home where children live.
43-year-old Michael Paterson is a 16-year veteran of the department who is now facing 29 charges of risk of injury to a minor.
Police responded to his home on Canaan Street just before 8:00 Tuesday morning on reports of a domestic dispute. They say they checked for firearms and found 26 guns, not under lock and key, but most laying on a bed where a a 7-year-old child sleeps. A 16-year-old also lives in the home.
Police say they also found three guns in a safe in the basement then 14 more weapons at an address in Bloomfield and other guns at a residence in South Carolina. It’s unclear what Paterson’s connection is to those locations.
Police say Paterson has at least 65 weapons registered in his name. They’re working to confirm the legality of every gun. He’s been placed on paid administrative leave from the fire department pending an investigation. He’s also facing breach of peace and threatening charges and is being held on a half-million dollar bond.