Man Charged With Firing Gun While Intoxicated In Shelton: Police

SHELTON, CT — A New Haven man accused of firing a gun while intoxicated in Shelton was arrested Wednesday, according to police.

In a news release, Police Det. Richard Bango said officers were called a Center Street apartment building on Dec. 16, where they found a man passed out in a hallway between the apartments and Caloroso Eatery and Bar.

The man, identified as Joseph Proto, 47, of New Haven, was found with a handgun next to his hand with an expended shell casing and one round missing, Bango said. A fragmented bullet was also found in the hallway.

According to Bango, a tenant reported hearing a loud bang just before officers arrived. Additionally, Proto appeared to be intoxicated and was unable to speak with officers.

Proto was brought to a hospital after the incident. An investigation later found he had been drinking at bars downtown just before to the incident, Bango said.

Proto was charged Wednesday with illegal discharge of a firearm, carrying a firearm while intoxicated and first-degree reckless endangerment. He was released on a $20,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in January, Bango said.