Executive Summary
- Jeffrey Vigil was arrested following a police standoff in Norwalk, Connecticut, after allegedly violating a protective order.
- Authorities reported that 12 of the 13 firearms registered to Vigil remain unaccounted for following a search of the residence.
- The suspect faces multiple charges, including criminal lockout and interfering with an officer, and is being held on a $1 million bond.
- Prior to the standoff, Vigil was charged in connection with a domestic dispute during which a family dog was shot.
Authorities in Norwalk, Connecticut, arrested a 52-year-old man following a tense standoff at a residence on Old Saugatuck Road, where police suspect nearly a dozen registered firearms remain unaccounted for. Jeffrey Vigil faces multiple charges, including violation of a protective order and criminal lockout, stemming from a sequence of events that began with an alleged domestic dispute earlier in the month.
According to court documents, the series of incidents began on December 10, when police responded to a domestic disturbance at the residence. During that dispute, investigators allege that Vigil shot a pit bull in the shoulder. The animal was transferred to a veterinary emergency center and later reported to be in stable condition. Following the incident, Vigil was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, criminal violation of a restraining order, and disorderly conduct. He was released after posting a $150,000 professional surety bond, and a full no-contact order was issued by the state Superior Court in Stamford on December 11.
Law enforcement officials stated that Vigil violated this order days later. On December 13, police responded to the Old Saugatuck Road home after the protected party reported that Vigil had returned. The warrant indicates the woman admitted to officers that she had initially allowed Vigil back into the home temporarily, but he subsequently refused to leave and changed the locks. The victim provided police with text messages in which Vigil allegedly acknowledged he should not be communicating with her due to the court order.
When officers attempted to contact Vigil at the residence, he reportedly answered a phone call, stated "I'm all set," and hung up. A press release from the Norwalk Police Department detailed that negotiators attempted to establish communication to encourage a peaceful surrender, but Vigil refused to exit the home. Police obtained warrants for his arrest and a search of the premises. Emergency services eventually entered the residence, locating Vigil on the second floor and taking him into custody shortly after midnight.
A critical aspect of the ongoing investigation involves the whereabouts of Vigil's firearms. A search of the state's registry showed 13 firearms registered to Vigil as of December 10. Only one weapon was seized following the initial domestic dispute. Norwalk Police Lt. Tomasz Podgorski stated that officers were unable to account for the remaining 12 guns during the subsequent search of the home, although a large quantity of ammunition was discovered.
Vigil is currently held on a combined bond of $1 million. He faces additional charges of violating a standing criminal protective order, criminal lockout, and interfering with an officer. Court records indicate he has three pending criminal cases with disposition hearings scheduled for February 6.
Investigative Outlook
The inability of law enforcement to locate 12 registered firearms presents a significant concern for public safety and the ongoing investigation. While the suspect is in custody, the unaccounted weaponry requires investigators to broaden their search to determine if the firearms were hidden, sold, or moved to an alternative location prior to the standoff. This case underscores the challenges authorities face in enforcing firearm surrender protocols during volatile domestic violence proceedings. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
