Putnam man arrested over allegedly displaying gun on highway

PUTNAM, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut State Police arrest a man they say allegedly displayed a gun in a threatening manner while driving in eastern Connecticut.

Troopers say 911 calls began around 6 p.m. Friday to report that a man driving a red Dodge Avenger erratically was pointing what appeared to be a black assault rifle at other drivers on I-395 Southbound in Thompson.

Within the half hour, troopers say more 911 calls reported a similar situation unfolding on Route 44 in Putnam.

That's when they pulled the car over and found the driver, Angelo Raymond Martinez, 24, of Putnam, allegedly in possession of a black AR-style paintball gun.

Martinez is charged with first-degree threatening while armed and displaying a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and five counts of second-degree breach of peace.

Bond is set at $15,000 for Martinez, who is scheduled for arraignment Monday at Danielson Superior Court.