Police: Woman Snatches Loaded Shotgun From Intoxicated Ex-Boyfriend

A 22-year-old mother used a pitcher of water to snatch a loaded shotgun from an allegedly intoxicated ex-boyfriend last week while their 2-year-old son was sleeping in a bedroom, said.

Thomas M. Gex, 22, was not armed when he was taken into custody at 11:40 p.m. Thursday at 198 Park Road after a domestic disturbance. He allegedly was holding seven rounds for a 12-gauge Winchester shotgun, police said.

Gex was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree reckless endangerment, possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated and disorderly conduct and held on $150,000 bail, police said. He remained jailed after bail was raised to $200,000 in Hartford Superior Court.

No injuries were reported.

Police were called to the second-floor residence for a report of a man attempting to kick down a door. When two officers arrived, ammunition was spotted in a downstairs hall. The officers took positions outside after one said he heard the cycling of a pump-action shotgun from upstairs, police said.

Earlier, according to police, Gex was leaving the apartment with some of his belongings when he also took a shotgun and ammunition out of a bedroom closet. The woman told police she followed Gex downstairs to try to retrieve the shotgun but was pushed away.

After the woman returned to the apartment and locked the door, Gex started kicking and striking the door with the shotgun, police said. A live round was later discovered in the chamber, police said.

The woman told police she grabbed a pitcher of water, opened the door and splashed Gex, causing him to drop the shotgun.

The woman seized the gun and ran with her child into a bedroom, locking the door.

Police located Gex standing outside on a second-floor porch. He was held at gunpoint by three officers on the ground until more police entered the apartment.

The woman told police that Gex was living at the apartment for about a month. She said Gex came home intoxicated about 10:30 p.m. and allegedly became combative, punching a wall and a door.

Police also removed a Winchester rifle and more than 90 rounds of ammunition. The weapons belonged to the woman’s father, police said.

Gex was scheduled to return to court April 19.

Police said the child appeared in “good spirits” and was apparently unaware of a disturbance. The state Department of Children and Families was contacted.