Stamford Police Officer Fires Gun During Traffic Stop

A man is in Stamford Police custody and a Stamford Police officer is now on modified duty as detectives investigate a shooting involving the pair Thursday night.

The incident unfolded on Grove Street, just south of Forest Street shortly before 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 when Patrol Officer Steven Estabrook was on routine patrol when he noticed a vehicle with its hazards illuminated, stopped in the travel portion of the road, according to a police statement issued Friday morning.

Estabrook determined that the operator was passed out while still in operation of the vehicle, began an investigation and approached the vehicle, police said.

At that point the driver, identified as Elias Garcia-Ramirez, 29, “became conscious and Officer Estabrook requested his pedigree and his papers for the vehicle,” police said.

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Here is the police account of what happened:

“At this point a handgun was presented to the situation and Ofc Estabrook retreated and several rounds were fired. Ultimately Garcia-Ramirez was removed from the vehicle and the scene was secured. Officers immediately assessed Garcia-Ramirez’s physical condition and determined that he was not struck with the gunfire and did not require medical attention.

Officers at the scene secured a real looking facsimile firearm from the front passenger compartment of the vehicle as well as partially finished bottle of whiskey. Officers at the scene immediately noticed that Garcia-Ramirez exhibited signs of being impaired by alcohol. He was transported to Stamford HQ’s where he was administered field sobriety tests in which he failed. He refused a breathalyzer and was charged with (driving under the influence) and other M/V charges.”

Police said that as detectives continue to investigate, “we have been in contact with the States Attorney’s Office. Officer Estabrook has been placed on modified duty, per the SPD Shooting Policy, during the course of this investigation.”

Garcia-Ramirez also was charged with Interfering with Police and Possession of a Facsimile Firearm. He was held on a $100,000 bond was will be arraigned Friday at Stamford Superior Court, police said.

Stamford Police photos: Elias Garcia-Ramirez, the gun seized by police.