CT convicted felon arrested for carrying around what appeared to be an AK-47 assault rifle

Patrol officers were dispatched to the intersection of Maple Street and Van Buren Avenue in Norwalk around 9:14 a.m. on Thursday for the report of a man in camouflage holding what appeared
to be an assault rifle, according to the Norwalk Police Department.

Officers checked the area and found a man, identified as 26-year-old Brandon Wagshol, lying on the bike path to the rear of Lynes Place. Police said he was dressed in full camouflage and had what appeared to be a facsimile of an AK-47 assault rifle lying on the ground next to him.

Police determined that the rifle was an airsoft gun. Wagshol was arrested without incident and charged with illegal use of a facsimile firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon and second-degree breach of peace, according to police.

Police said Wagshol is currently on probation. He has an extensive criminal history that includes assault and weapons convictions, court records show, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.

Wagshol was being held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 29, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Norwalk police tip line at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips can be sent to the Norwalk police website at norwalkpd.com.