Police: Waterford firefighter, charged with DUI, had 3 firearms in car
[naviga:img class="img-responsive" src="/Assets/news2018/1126DayReagan.JPG" alt="Jacob Reagan"/]
Jacob Reagan
Groton — State police said a longtime Jordan Fire Company volunteer was intoxicated and had three firearms in the car he was found sleeping in off Interstate 95 south early Wednesday.
Police said 30-year-old Jacob Reagan of 10 Josan Drive, Waterford, had parked in the center median to the east of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. Police said it took “several minutes” to wake Reagan when they came upon his vehicle at 1:21 a.m.
Police said they located a loaded 9mm pistol in a holster on Reagan’s belt when they searched him for safety reasons, and found a second pistol and an AR-15 rifle in a locked gun case inside the vehicle.
Police said Reagan refused field sobriety tests but “was showing signs of impairment.”
Police initially charged Reagan with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and three counts of possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Court records show Reagan, released on a promise to appear in court, now faces one count each of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and improper parking.
Reagan is next due in New London Superior Court Dec. 7.
Jordan fire Chief Timothy O'Neill declined to say whether Reagan, who has been with the company since 2002, has been placed on leave.
He said his company had no comment on the matter, which is being handled by the town.
Waterford Fire Services Director Bruce Miller did not return messages seeking comment.
First Selectman Dan Steward said he could not speak directly to Reagan's situation. Steward noted that "in our legal system you're innocent until proven guilty," but said volunteer firefighters facing criminal charges would not be given "any shifts until we know things are resolved."
Steward added that the town offers counseling services to help employees and part-time employees, including volunteers.
Comment threads are monitored for 48 hours after publication and then closed.
