[naviga:img class="img-responsive" src="/Assets/news2015/0612DayMeninno.JPG" alt="Jeffrey A. Meninno"/]

Jeffrey A. Meninno

Mystic — Groton Town police on Saturday arrested a state trooper who allegedly struck another person in the face repeatedly while at the Chapter One restaurant in Mystic earlier in the morning.

Jeffrey A. Meninno, 52, of Waterford, was charged with second-degree assault, breach of peace and third-degree assault in relation to the incident, which occurred about 1 a.m. Second-degree assault is a felony.

According to town police, crews had to transport the person Meninno allegedly assaulted to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Meninno allegedly pushed another person who tried to intervene, too, police said.

Witnesses at the scene identified Meninno as the suspect. Police said he left the bar after the altercation. Police located Meninno at his residence about 4:15 a.m., at which point they arrested him.

State police said they have suspended Meninno’s police powers and confiscated his badge, cruiser and gun pending the outcome of the investigation. The matter has been referred to the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Professional Standards.

According to state data, Meninno was hired in February 1997 and was on track to earn about $91,500 in 2016. Comptroller records show he began receiving workers' compensation without pay in September and extended that leave in January.

Meninno recently served as a vice president of the state police union, but union officials said they removed him from the position earlier this year. They did not clarify why.

In a statement, union President Andy Matthews said while his group is "disappointed" a trooper was arrested, the public should wait until all of the facts are reported before rushing to judgment.

"Regardless of the outcome of the case," Matthews said in the statement," it is important to remember that state troopers risk their lives to protect the public and that for every report like this, there are hundreds of examples of heroism and public service by the members of our union."

Released on a $2,500 nonsurety bond, Meninno is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court June 26.