A drunken man who is accused of pulling a fake gun on a police officer in Stamford has been arrested and the officer is on modified duty after shooting at the suspect, according to police.
The patrol officer, identified as Steven Estabrook, was on routine patrol around 8:52 p.m. on Thursday when he noticed a vehicle, with hazard lights flashing, in the middle of Grove Street, just south of Forest Street and went to investigate.
The driver of the car, 29-year-old Elias Garcia-Ramirez was passed out, but came to and pointed what appeared to be a gun at the officer, police said.
Officer Estabrook then fired several rounds at Garcia-Ramirez, but did not hit him, police said.
Garcia-Ramirez was taken into custody and did not need medical attention, according to police.
Officers at the scene found what appeared to be a real gun in the car, but it was fake, police said. They also found a bottle of whiskey.
Ramirez, who appeared drunk, was taken to the Stamford police department, where he failed field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer, police said.
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Garcia-Ramirez was charged with driving under the influence, motor vehicle offenses, interfering with police and possession of a facsimile firearm, police said.
Bond was set at $100,000 and Garcia-Ramirez will be arraigned today at Stamford Superior Court.
Police are investigating and have reached out to the States Attorney’s Office.
Officer Estabrook has been placed on modified duty, according to the Stamford Police Department policy, during the course of the investigation.
