21-Year-Old with Gun Threatens Patrons at Meeting House Pub: Police

BETHEL, CT — A 21-year-old drunk man was arrested Thursday after pointing a gun in the air the Meeting House Pub on Route 6, police said.

Officers said they were called to the restaurant after getting reports of an intoxicated patron confronting patrons, police said.

The suspect, Matthew Vance, 21, from Bethlehem, was cut off from the bartender and began ordering drinks from waiters, police said. Vance was reportedly holding his hand on a silver pistol in his waistband, police said.

The man left before police arrived but witnesses told investigating officers that he chased a woman while his hand was on his gun, waved it in the air and threatened patrons.

With the help of State Troopers, Bethel police arrested the suspect in his home and seized his Smith & Wesson firearm and ammunition.

Vance was brought back to Bethel and charged with illegally carrying a firearm while under the influence, reckless endangerment and breach of peace, according to a police report.

He was held on $50,000 bond and was scheduled for arraignment Thursday in Danbury's State Superior Court.

Bethel Police photo