West Haven man accused of threatening potential neighbor with apparent gun

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — West Haven police say a man accused of using an apparent firearm to threaten someone outside his home was arrested Wednesday.

Police were dispatched to the 700 block of Washington Avenue around 7:13 p.m. for report of a person threatened with a gun.

They were told the victim was looking at an apartment to rent when the neighbor came out with an apparent rifle and walked over to the victim. He then allegedly pointed the weapon at the victim and told him to “get out of here” before going back to his front porch.

The neighbor, 56-year-old Ceferino Diaz, Jr., was taken into custody and charged with brandishing a facsimile firearm, first-degree threatening, second-degree reckless endangerment, and breach of peace.

Police said when they arrived on scene, Ceferino was on his porch, but quickly went inside and refused to come out. Due to the circumstances, police called in the West Haven SWAT team to assist.

The SWAT team found his rifle on the front porch and properly identified it as an Airsoft rifle.

After several hours, Ceferino was taken into custody without incident. Police said he admitted to drinking prior to the incident.

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