Meriden Fugitive Shooting Suspect Arrested in Virginia

Virginia State Police announced Thursday morning that it had arrested the 74-year-old Meriden man who fled the city after allegedly attempting to shoot his son Monday – after Meriden Police tracked his path using the man's own cell phone.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, at about 3 p.m., Virginia State Police took Ralph Pompano, of 57 Schooner Lane, in Meriden into custody in Greensville County, Virginia during a traffic stop, according to a Virginia State Police News Release.

Meriden Police had previously sent out a nationwide "Teletype Message" that other departments should be on the lookout for Pompano and his Blue Chevrolet Express Van with Conn. license plates. The message said he was carrying a .38 calibur handgun and should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the release.

At about 2:29 p.m. State Police in the Farifax Division, VA, contacted police in Chesapeake Division, VA to tell them they were in contact with Meriden Police, who were tracking Pompano by the internal GPS in the man's mobile phone. Meriden Police gave the division the phone's real-time coordinates, and police stopped the car at the 9 mile marker on Northbound 95 in Greensville County. According to police, they arrested Pompano without incident.

The man will be extradited to Connecticut, according to VA Police, and charged with Criminal Attempted Assault 1, Reckless Endangerment, and Unlawful Discharge. Bond is set at $250,000.

Details to come.

Original Story, Monday, Oct. 10

At 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 10, Meriden police responded to a report of shots fired at 57 Schooner Lane. Responding units learned that the owner of the home, Ralph Pompano, age 74, attempted to shoot his son, according to Meriden Police Sgt. Leonard Caponigro.

Ralph Pampano left before police arrived. He was driving a 2004 blue Chevy van with Connecticut plate CR 8725, police report.

Police describe him as a heavy set Caucasian male, 6 feet tall, with brown eyes and glasses. He is considered armed and dangerous, and may also be suicidal, according to police.

Anyone who sees Pampano or his vehicle is asked to contact the Meriden Police Department at (203) 630-6201.

Police report that no one was injured in the incident.