By Lauren Sellew

Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN — A city man faces charges after police said he was found with a loaded pistol at Maloney High School earlier this month.

Christian Andujar, 22, of 36 Carl St., was charged Feb. 2 with possession of a weapon on school grounds and loitering on school grounds. He was released on $1,000 bond.

On Feb. 2, a group of students and Andujar were seen congregating near a rear entrance at Maloney, according to police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Fry. Andujar told the school police officer he was at the school to drop off lunch to his girlfriend.

After speaking with Andujar, the officer suspected he was carrying a gun, Fry said. When asked by the officer, Andujar denied having a weapon.

The officer placed Andujar in handcuffs and searched him, finding a loaded 9mm pistol clipped to his waistband and two loaded magazines, Fry said.

Andujar is a registered pistol permit holder. He acknowledged being aware of the law against possessing weapons on school grounds, Fry said.

The officer seized the pistol, ammunition and permit and sent a request to state police to have Andujar’s permit revoked.