A rookie Stamford police officer fired multiple rounds at a motorist Thursday night after he spotted a fake gun in the man’s car, authorities said.
Officer Steven Estabrook was on patrol Thursday night at about 8:52 p.m. when he spotted Elias Garcia-Ramirez’s car stopped in the road on Grove Street near Forest Street with hazard lights on, police said.
Officer Estabrook approached the car and saw Ramirez passed out, apparently drunk, in the driver’s seat.
Ramirez came to, and as officer Estabrook asked him for his information, a “handgun was presented to the situation,” police said.
Officer Estabrook fired several rounds, but did not hit Ramirez with any of the shots, police said.
A partially finished bottle of whiskey and fake handgun were found in the car’s glove compartment.
Ramirez was taken into custody and charged with DUI, interfering with police and possession of a facsimile firearm.
