WESTPORT — A Bridgeport man, arrested for stealing a brand-new Audi from a local driveway last May, was also charged with gun crimes when taken into custody last week by police.

Michael Lozada, 19, was charged Oct. 17 in connection with the vehicle theft with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, first-degree motor vehicle larceny, conspiracy to commit first-degree motor vehicle larceny and sixth-degree larceny.

Additionally, when Lozada was taken into custody at his home, police charged him with illegal transfer/purchase of a pistol/revolver, carrying a pistol without a permit, illegal possession of a firearm with an illegible serial number and illegal possession of a large-capacity magazine.

Police launched an investigation into the theft of a 2024 Audi, left unlocked with the keys inside, from a local driveway last May 30 about 6 p.m.

The vehicle, however, was found in Bridgeport later the same day when location data transmitted by the keys’ tracking software was conveyed to the Westport officer assigned to the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force.

After the car was recovered, the task force continued to investigate the theft. Using recorded footage from surveillance cameras, Lozada was identified as the suspect, police said.

Warrants to arrest Lozada and search his residence were issued, and when officers took Lozada into custody at his home Oct. 17 they also allegedly found a “ghost” gun and a large-capacity magazine.

Lozada was transported to Westport where he was charged at Police Department headquarters, and held on total bond of $175,000 — $100,000 for the car theft and $75,000 on the gun violations. He was taken the next day to state Superior Court in Stamford for arraignment.