13 Handguns, 3 Rifles Stolen From Old Saybrook Store

After an hour-long standoff Tuesday night, police arrested a 25-year-old man accused of stealing 13 handguns and three high-powered rifles from an Old Saybrook gun shop.

The owner of Grouse Perch at 15 North Main Street called police when he arrived at the store around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and noticed that someone had gotten in through a window, according to police.

Police identified 25-year-old Thomas Russo as a suspect and headed to his home on Fenwood Drive to question him. He was taken into custody after a standoff at his house.

Officers searched the house and found several firearms and heroin, according to police. Authorities also seized other evidence, but have not said what they took.

Russo was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny, first-degree criminal mischief, 16 counts of theft of a firearm and 16 counts of criminal possession of a firearm. 

He's being held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior Court on Thursday.

Police said Russo is not connected to the store. Additional arrests are possible, and a $500 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

The owner of Grouse Perch did not returned a request for comment as of Tuesday night.

Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to call Old Saybrook police at 860-395-3142.

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