GUILFORD — A Guilford man was arrested after allegedly firing a gun from his vehicle and fleeing, leading to a swift police investigation that uncovered additional weapons and drugs, authorities said Wednesday.
The Guilford Police Department received a 911 call at 11:43 p.m. on Oct. 16 about someone shooting from a vehicle near the town docks on Whitfield Street.
Witnesses and surveillance footage helped officers quickly identify 20-year-old Russell Thomas Ballard as a person of interest.
Ballard is accused of displaying a loaded firearm with an extended magazine, pointing it at occupants of another vehicle, including a juvenile, and firing the weapon before speeding away.
Following an investigation with support from the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office and New Haven Adult Probation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Ballard, as well as search warrants for his vehicle and residence.
On Oct. 18, detectives arrested Ballard at his probation appointment.
Searches of Ballard, his vehicle, and his home led to the discovery of the weapon used in the shooting, additional drugs, drug paraphernalia, another loaded extended magazine, more ammunition, and a machine gun conversion device.
Ballard faces charges including Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment, Threatening, and Breach of Peace.
After the subsequent search, he was additionally charged with Possession with Intent to Sell Hallucinogens, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, and Negligent Storage of a Firearm.
Held on bonds totaling $750,000, Ballard is slated for arraignment on Oct. 21 at the New Haven Court.
The Guilford Police Department thanked the partnering agencies for their support and reiterated their commitment to combating gun violence.
They encourage anyone with information related to this case or others to contact them directly or through their anonymous tip line.
