PD: 'Out-of'Control' and Drunk Eli Cannon's Patron Choked Employee

A Durham man is in custody after Middletown Police say he grabbed an employee around the neck while intoxicated after being asked to leave for his belligerent behavior.

On Dec. 26 at 8:46 p.m., police were called to Eli Cannon's Tap Room on Main Street about an intoxicated patron who was "out of control," according to the report, getting physical with staff, who successfully restrained him until officers arrived.

The report details statements from Eli Cannon's manager, who said David R. Spiro, 59, of Haddam Quarter Road, Durham, was bumping, grabbing and choking staff after he was asked to leave and refused, instead threatening and yelling at employees.

Police say Spiro didn't deny he had placed his hands on a victim in a "choking manner," the report says, alarming patrons and putting them in danger. Police say Spiro was extremely uncooperative during booking and verbally berated officers and refused to sign routine paperwork. He's being held in custody on a $10,000 bond until his Jan. 9, 2014, court date.

He was charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault.