A Connecticut state trooper who helped rescued victims of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 had to turn in his badge and gun after being accused of getting into a bar fight at a Mystic bar over the weekend and sending someone to the hospital.
Trooper Jeffrey A. Meninno, 52, of Waterford, was arrested at 4:16 a.m. Saturday after an investigation into an assaulted reported at Chapter One Restaurant, Bar and Grill at 1 a.m., according to Groton police.
They said Meninno is accused of hitting another patron in the face several times. They said an ambulance had to transport the victim to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.
Meninno is also accused of pushing another person who tried to intervene.
Witnesses identified Meninno, who police said left the establishment after the incident. Officers located him at his Waterford home and took him into custody.
A state police source said the trooper Meninno who was arrested in Groton is the same trooper who rushed in to help victims injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.
Meninno has been charged with second-degree assault, breach of peace and third-degree assault.
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He was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond and is due in court on June 26.
Police said Meninno’s police powers have been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation and his badge and gun have been confiscated.
State police said the matter has been referred to the Connecticut State Police Bureau of Professional Standards.
The state police union issued a statement Monday morning.
"While we are disappointed to learn that one of our members to learn that one or our members was arrested, all the facts and circumstances involving the alleged incident have yet to be reported and the public should not rush to judgment based on headlines alone,” a statement from the police union says.
Meninno was a union vice president, but was removed from his position earlier this year, according to the union.
