Waterford Man Drinking in Public Leads to Weapon Arrest: Police

NEW LONDON, CT - Police pursued on foot and arrested a man Wednesday on weapon charges after he was caught drinking in public.

While assigned to Quality of Life patrol operations, officers observed two men openly drinking what appeared to be alcoholic beverages while walking down Connecticut Avenue around 3:30 p.m.

• To sign up for Waterford breaking news alerts and more, click here.

While speaking with the pair, a state probation officer working in the area approached the officers and gave them information related to recent narcotic activity involving one of the men, according to a release. The suspect immediately ran from officers, and officers engaged in a short foot chase

Justice Rodriguez, 20, was subsequently arrested and discovered to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber firearm at time of arrest. He was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit and interfering with an officer.

Additionally, both Rodriguez and Coyt Taylor, 21, of Waterford were issued infractions for drinking in public.

Images courtesy New London police.