On 04/01/2024, at approximately 4:36 p.m., Troopers assigned to Troop H – Hartford responded to Route 72 westbound in Plainville for a report of a suspicious incident.
Upon arrival, Troopers met with the complainant, a tow truck operator, who reported that they had been traveling to a call for service on Route 72 eastbound and entered the emergency turnaround area to reach their destination. The complainant further explained that as they entered the turnaround a passenger vehicle traveling on Route 72 westbound entered the turnaround at a high rate of speed, nearly colliding with the complainant’s tow truck. The complainant and the operator of the passenger vehicle exchanged words and the operator of the passenger vehicle allegedly displayed a firearm. According to the complainant, the operator of the passenger vehicle pointed the firearm at the complainant during the exchange and then left the area prior to police arrival. The complainant provided investigating Troopers with the registration plate displayed on the passenger vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the accused operator of the passenger vehicle was identified Kevin J. Perez, DOB 03/22/1994, of Bristol.
Troopers were initially unable to make contact with Perez at his residence, but were later able to speak with him by phone. Perez acknowledged his involvement in the incident and explained that he had displayed a firearm but had not pointed the weapon in the direction of the tow truck operator.
With the assistance of Bristol Police, investigating Troopers took Perez into custody at his residence and recovered a Ruger LCP .380 handgun and ammunition, which were subsequently processed as evidence in this investigation.
Perez was transported to Troop H, where he was processed and charged with the following violations:
C.G.S 53a-61aa(a)(3), Threatening in the First Degree
C.G.S 53a-216, Criminal Use of a Weapon
C.G.S 53a-181; Breach of Peace in Second Degree
C.G.S 14-242, Improper Turn
Perez was later released on a $100,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled for arraignment at New Britain Superior Court on 05/01/2024.
As a reminder, turnarounds on limited access highways may be used by authorized and emergency vehicles only.
