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Stratford Man Busted On DUI, Gun Charges In Stop For Speeding In Westport

STRATFORD, Conn. -- A Stratford man was arrested on a dozen charges after troopers found a handgun in his car when he was pulled over for speeding and driving erratically on the Merritt Parkway on Wednesday evening, state police said.  

Henshawn L. Bendolph, 32, of Stratford, was arrested on multiple charges after traffic stop on the Merritt Parkway.

Henshawn L. Bendolph, 32, of Stratford, was arrested on multiple charges after traffic stop on the Merritt Parkway.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police
Police seized a 9-millimeter Smith and Wesson handgun and ammunition from within the car during the traffic stop.

Police seized a 9-millimeter Smith and Wesson handgun and ammunition from within the car during the traffic stop.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

At 6:27 p.m. Oct 19, troopers from Troop G in Bridgeport were conducting motor vehicle enforcement on the Merritt when they saw a gray 2017 Kia Sorrento traveling erratically southbound near Exit 41 in Westport, state police said.

The car was traveling well above the speed limit, and the driver was weaving out his lane, state police said.

Troopers spoke with the driver, Henshawn L. Bendolph, 32, the only occupant of the car, and determined that Bendolph was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, state police said.

Bendolph, of 28 Birch Drive in Stratford, was given a series of field sobriety tests, which he did not perform to standard, and was taken into custody, state police said. 

Troopers also located a small amount of marijuana and a 9-millimeter Smith and Wesson handgun in his car, state police said.

A records check also determined that Bendolph was also a convicted felon, state police said.

Bendolph was charged with: 

  • operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, 
  • reckless driving, 
  • possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, 
  • illegal possession of ammunition by a convicted felon,
  • sale/delivery/transfer of firearm with an obliterated serial number, 
  • Illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine, 
  • carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, 
  • carrying a pistol without a permit, 
  • possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, 
  • weapon in a motor vehicle, 
  • violation of conditions of release and 
  • possession of less than a half -ounce of marijuana.

He was transported to Troop G where he was fingerprinted, photographed and released after posting $150,000 bond pending a court date at Norwalk Superior Court. 

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