Shawn Amponsah-
In Lisbon, Connecticut Following a car accident on River Road in Lisbon, a Griswold man was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence and possession of an illegal firearm.
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 3:43 PM, troopers from Troop E in Montville responded to a reported two-vehicle collision on River Road. Upon arrival, officers determined that the accident was a rear-end collision with no reported injuries. The at-fault driver was identified as Eric Leblanc, 25, of Griswold.
Troopers observed signs of impairment in Leblanc during their investigation, including pinpoint pupils and slow speech. A check of his license revealed an active arrest warrant issued by Troop D in Danielson. Leblanc complied when asked to exit his vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
A subsequent search of Leblanc revealed a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband. He informed troopers that he possessed a valid pistol permit and that the firearm was registered in his name. However, during a search for the permit, officers discovered three small bags containing a white powdery substance in his possession.
When asked about the substance and his impairment, Leblanc admitted to taking fentanyl before the accident and confirmed that the bags contained the same substance. Both the firearm and the suspected narcotics were seized as evidence.
Following these findings, troopers conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which Leblanc agreed to perform. However, he failed to meet the standard, prompting officers to arrest him on additional charges stemming from the incident.
Leblanc was transported to Troop E and charged with the following offenses:
– Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs (CGS 14-227a)
– Failure to Drive at a Reasonable Distance Apart—Motor Vehicle Accident (CGS 14-240(b))
– Possession of a Controlled Substance (CGS 21a-279(a)(1))
– Illegal Carry of a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs (CGS 53-206d(a))
Leblanc was later released on a $10,000 bond and subsequently transferred to Troop D for the outstanding warrant. He is scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on March 13, 2025, for the charges stemming from this incident.