Police arrested two people when a traffic stop in Waterbury on Tuesday led to investigators seizing crack cocaine and a firearm in a vehicle being driven by a convicted felon.
Officers patrolling Walnut Street around 4 p.m. pulled over a vehicle based on several alleged traffic violations before discovering the unspecified amount of crack and a Smith & Wesson revolver, according to Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department.
Bessette said the officers were with the police department’s Crime Prevention Unit and were conducting proactive patrols.
Following the traffic stop, 56-year-old Robert Perugini of Waterbury was arrested and charged with insufficient insurance, improper rear/marker lamps, criminal possession of pistol or revolver, possession of a controlled substance (first offense), operating a motor vehicle without registration and operating a motor vehicle with an expired license.
Bessette noted that Perugini is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He was held on $500,000 bond and was expected to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Wednesday.
Also arrested was 43-year-old Lisandra Soto of Waterbury, Bessette said. She was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to have a warrant out for her arrest on a failure to appear in court charge. She posted bail and is scheduled to appear before a judge on Jan. 16.
