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Fleeing Suspect Who Dropped Gun Captured By Westport Police After Manhunt

Update: Westport police have identified the suspect — a Bridgeport man — and arrested him on multiple charges. Click here for an updated story from Daily Voice. 

The suspect was found hiding in a yard on Keyster Street, a block from the traffic stop on Bridge St. in Westport.

The suspect was found hiding in a yard on Keyster Street, a block from the traffic stop on Bridge St. in Westport.

Photo Credit: Google Map

WESTPORT, Conn. — A man who dropped a handgun as he fled during a traffic stop late Saturday morning was apprehended in a Westport neighborhood after an hourlong search, police said.  

Officer Taylor Field stopped a vehicle in the area of 35 Bridge St. and asked the driver to step out of the car at about 11 am. Saturday, police said. 

At that time, the driver ran on foot, police said. 

The officer gave chase and saw the suspect drop a firearm as he ran, police said. 

Field stopped to secure the firearm due to its proximity to an apartment complex, police said. 

Officers immediately established a perimeter in the area and alerted residents in the Westport neighborhood via the Code Red system to the situation. 

The alert advised residents that officers were searching for a possibly armed suspect in the area and to remain in their homes. 

A description of the suspect was provided, and residents were asked to contact police if he was spotted, police said. 

A K-9 unit came to the scene to conduct a track, which led officers through backyards of the neighborhood, police said. Additional units and K-9 teams from surrounding towns were brought in to assist with the search. 

At about noon, officers located the suspect in the shed of a backyard of a Keyser Road home, about a block from the area of the traffic stop, police said. 

During his capture, the suspect sustained wounds from the K-9, police said, was being treated at the hospital for minor injuries. 

"Due to the immediate response, recovery of the firearm and the subsequent capture of the suspect, there is no longer a safety threat to the community," said Jillian Cabana, a Westport police spokesman. 

Detectives are investigating the identity of the suspect and his reason for fleeing, police said. 

The Westport Police Department thanked the Fairfield and Norwalk Police Departments for their quick response and assistance.

No further information was provided by police early Saturday afternoon.

Check back with Daily Voice for more information on this incident. 

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