A North Haven man faces criminal charges after pointing an assault rifle at a woman sitting in her car because he thought she was watching him, according to North Haven police.
Richard Avino faces charges of possession of a prohibited assault weapon, reckless endangerment, threatening, risk of injury and breach of peace.
Police said they received a report from the female victim around 12:45 a.m. Sunday. She said she was parked at a North Haven medical center when the suspect, later identified as Avino, approached her with the rifle, which had its red laser sight on and pointed at her.
When police spoke to Avino he said he approached the victim because he believed she was watching him. He grabbed the weapon and went to confront her, but as he approached he realized she was not watching him.
According to police, the rifle was a banned assault weapon and Avino did not have proper permits for it. Police also seized a second assault weapon and four other firearms from Avino’s home.
Avino was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April 6.
