NORWICH — A New London man faces firearm charges after hospital security found a stolen handgun in a bag that accompanied him to Backus Hospital following an August highway crash, WINY Radio reported, citing Connecticut State Police.
John Parker, 25, surrendered to state police November 2 on an arrest warrant. He was charged with stealing a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and failure to maintain the proper lane, according to WINY.
The investigation began after a three-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 395 near Exit 11 at about 1:10 p.m. August 19. Parker was seriously injured and taken to Backus by American Ambulance; the other two drivers were not injured, the report said.
WINY reported that hospital security discovered a 9mm Ruger while searching the bag and that a police database check showed it had been reported stolen.
Parker was released after posting a $15,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwich Superior Court November 12, according to the report. The charges are allegations, not convictions.