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11/02/2017 12:00 AMAn Old Saybrook man faced a judge on Thursday to answer charges that he'd threatened to shoot police officers at close range with a flare gun.
According to the Old Saybrook Police Department, Kenneth G. Grussy, 63, of Old Saybrook, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 1 follwoing a brief motor vehicle pursuit and charged with criminal possession of a firearm, weapons in a motor vehicle, operating with a suspended license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and engaging polie in pursuit.
Police were contacted by concerned citizens who reported that Grussy was making repeated statements about shooting an Old Saybrook Police Officer at close range with a high powered flare gun. He reportedly was carrying a loaded flare gun on his person and in his vehicle. High powered flare gun that use 12 gauge "shotgun style" ammunition cartridges are considered firearms in Connecticut. The flare gun was located on top of the center console in his vehicle after a brief pursuit and Grussy's arrest on Wednesday.
Through a detailed investigation it was found that over the past several weeks Grussy had been "practicing" with his flare gun by shooting off flares while on land, both at his Watch Hill Road home and at Saybrook Point. Grussy is not currently allowed to possess firearms as he is the subject of a current Order of Protection issued by the court. Additionally, Old Saybrook Police seized Grussy's firearms several months ago when he was arrested for repeatedly firing a .22 long rifle inside his home while occupied by his family members.
Grussy appeared at Middletown Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 2 on the charges filed against him on Nov. 1. After his appearance, Grussy was served with two additional arrest warrants stemming from additional incidents involving the firing of the flare gun.
One warrant charged Grussy with breach of peace and criminal possession of a firearm after he drove to Saybrook Point, exited his vehicle, spoke with someone at the point, and then fired a flare over the Connecticut River. This triggered a marine distress dispatch for both the Old Saybrook Volunteer Fire Department and Police Department.
The second warrant charged Grussy with breach of peace after he made threatening comments to shoot Old Saybrook Police Officers at close range with a flare gun.
Grussy is being held on an $80,000 bond. An additional investigation remains active.