Convicted Felon Arrested on Weapons Charges in Waterbury

Juannel Herrera, 25, had a history of stolen firearms and vehicles, police say.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:53am

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An extreme close-up of a handgun magazine reflecting a bright flash of light, conceptually illustrating the confiscation of a dangerous weapon.A recent weapons seizure exposes the persistent threat of illegal firearms in Waterbury.Waterbury Today

A 25-year-old convicted felon named Juannel Herrera was arrested in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 30, 2026 on multiple weapons charges after a probation compliance check. Police seized a stolen Springfield Hellcat 9mm firearm, ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine from Herrera, who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his felony conviction.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenge of keeping illegal firearms off the streets, especially among repeat offenders. Waterbury has seen a rise in gun violence in recent years, making this a significant law enforcement action to remove a dangerous weapon from circulation.

The details

During the probation compliance check, officers from the Waterbury Police Department's Gang Task Force, Vice and Intelligence Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, and the Auto Theft Task Force assisted probation officers in taking Herrera into custody. The stolen firearm had been reported missing from Bellows Falls. Herrera was charged with a range of weapons-related offenses, including theft of a firearm, illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, and criminal possession of firearms and ammunition.

  • The arrest occurred on March 30, 2026 during a probation compliance check.

The players

Juannel Herrera

A 25-year-old convicted felon from Waterbury, Connecticut who has a history of crimes involving stolen firearms and motor vehicles.

Waterbury Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest and seized the stolen firearm and other weapons from Herrera.

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The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing challenge of keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of convicted felons and the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and probation officers to address gun violence in communities like Waterbury.