Norwalk Felon Convicted of Leaving Loaded Gun in Diner Bathroom

Prosecutors say the 40-year-old man was barred from possessing firearms due to a previous conviction.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Norwalk man named Christopher Miles was found guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon after he inadvertently left a loaded Glock 9mm pistol in the bathroom of a local diner. Surveillance footage showed Miles entering the restroom shortly before the gun was discovered by an employee, and subsequent DNA analysis linked the weapon to Miles.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing gun laws, especially when it comes to repeat offenders. Prosecutors are seeking a lengthy prison sentence to address Miles' history of criminal activity and the public safety concerns raised by a felon possessing a loaded firearm in a public setting.

The details

According to prosecutors, on September 13, 2023, Miles, who was barred from possessing firearms due to a previous conviction, left a loaded Glock 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine containing 13 bullets in the bathroom of the Post Road Diner on Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk. A restaurant employee discovered the weapon while cleaning the restroom and alerted the manager, who contacted the Norwalk police. Surveillance footage showed Miles entering the restroom shortly before the gun was found, and he later returned to the diner in an attempt to retrieve the weapon. DNA analysis also linked the firearm to Miles.

  • On September 13, 2023, Miles left the loaded gun in the diner bathroom.
  • On November 21, 2023, Miles was arrested on state charges related to the incident.

The players

Christopher Miles

A 40-year-old Norwalk resident who was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon after leaving a loaded Glock 9mm pistol in a diner bathroom.

David Sullivan

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, who announced the conviction of Miles.

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What they’re saying

“After a restaurant employee discovered the firearm while cleaning the restroom, the restaurant manager contacted Norwalk police.”

— David Sullivan, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut (thehour.com)

What’s next

Miles faces up to 15 years in prison for the firearm offense. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing gun laws and the need for continued vigilance to address the risks posed by repeat offenders possessing firearms, even in seemingly innocuous public settings like a diner bathroom.