Suspect 'Passed Out' In Car Faces DUI, Gun Charges In Southington

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A well-being check for a motorist passed out in his car resulted in drunk driving and gun charges amid what started as a tense situation, Southington police said Tuesday.

According to the Southington Police Department, Ricot Cassamajor, 35, of Maybury Circle, Waterbury, was arrested and charged with: driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs; two counts of illegal carrying of a firearm under the influence of alcohol/drugs; second-degree reckless endangerment; second-degree breach of peace; failure to drive in the proper lane; and failure to obey a traffic control signal.

Police said Cassamajor was processed and released on a $20,000 Surety bond and will appear in New Britain Superior Court Jan. 6, 2023.

According to police, the incident happened on Friday, Dec. 23, at approximately 11:42 p.m.

That's when, police said, officers responded to the area of 9 W. Main St, Plantsville, on a welfare check for a vehicle that was reported to be stopped in the roadway for over 10 minutes.

Initial callers reported being unsure if the vehicle was occupied, police said.

Later, calls reported an occupant was in the vehicle, possibly “passed out,” according to police.

Upon arriving, officers found a Nissan Altima stopped facing eastbound near the intersection with South Main Street, police said.

As officers approached the vehicle, they identified a single male occupant in the driver seat with a handgun in his lap and the vehicle’s transmission in drive, police said Tuesday.

Tinted glass on the vehicle prevented officers from determining the male’s condition, according to police.

Police said, after several unsuccessful attempts to alert the occupant, the situation resulted in an increased response, including calling the Central Region – Emergency Response Team (SWAT).

As an added precaution, police cleared the area utilizing police vehicles to block the roadways, along with local businesses and individuals inside being moved to safety and/or evacuated.

Police said, after containing the vehicle, officers were able to safely approach and make contact with the vehicle occupant.

According to police, Cassamajor was cooperative and safely detained.

Meanwhile, police said officers secured two handguns, a 9mm Glock 19 and a 9mm APX Beretta handgun, from inside the vehicle.

For the Southington Police Department Facebook page, click on this link.