DUI Driver Had Gun In Car: South Windsor Police

A citizen helped South Windsor Police track down a suspected DUI driver, who was later found to have a 9mm pistol in the car when officers pulled him over.

Joseph Roberts, 57, of 312 Rainbow Road in Windsor, was arrested by South Windsor Police on Saturday, Jan. 23.

It all started when a motorist notified South Windsor Police about a motor vehicle violation at about 1 a.m.

The citizen caller reported to police that a car had been driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Route 5, according to Deputy Chief Scott Custer.

Custer said the citizen caller followed the car onto Governor’s Highway and updated dispatchers when the car was heading north on Main Street.

The citizen noted that the car was not stopping for stop signs.

Officers on Main Street observed another violation and stopped the suspect vehicle.

During the roadside interview, officers suspected the operator (Roberts) was under the influence of alcohol.

Following a series of roadside sobriety tests, officers arrested Roberts.

Custer said officers seized the 9mm pistol he was carrying for safekeeping and charged him with the applicable weapons violation.

Roberts was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, carrying a firearm under the influence of alcohol and failure to obey stop sign.

Roberts was later released on a $1,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear at Manchester Superior Court on Feb. 1.