Owner Of Westport's Vine Wine Room Allegedly Threatens Man Over Snow Removal: Police

WESTPORT, CT — The owner of Vine Wine Room allegedly threatened to kill a man during an argument Monday morning over snow removal at the 190 Main St. address, according to Westport police.

Officers were called to the location at about 9:30 a.m. on a report of a disturbance, in which the caller said a gun may have been involved.

"Officers arrived moments later and located the victim of this incident in the parking lot," wrote police in a statement. "The victim reported a man, later identified as Sammy Alanz, pushed him to the ground during an argument about snow removal. The victim reported that while Alanz was on top of him, Alanz lifted up the side of his jacket and pointed to his waist stating he was going to kill him. While the Officers were speaking with the victim, Alanz came out of the business [Vine Wine Bar], which he owns. The victim pointed at the male and yelled, 'That's him!'"

Alanz, 41, of Trumbull, was handcuffed, and questioned regarding the disturbance, according to police.

"He denied having a weapon on his person or in his possession. Officers searched Alanz and located a loaded [gun] magazine in the pocket of his jacket with 6 bullets in it. Alanz again denied having a weapon with him, and denied having a gun in his business. Alanz gave the Officers consent to search his business for a firearm. A firearm was later located inside the business, matching the magazine found on Alanz."

Police seized the firearm, and Alanz was taken into custody. He was charged with first-degree Threatening, and third-degree Assault.

Alanz was released after posting a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Norwalk Superior Court on March 27.

Photo: Sammy Alanz. Photo credit: Westport Police Department