On Wednesday, 02/26/25, at approximately 3:43 PM, personnel from Troop E- Montville were dispatched to River Road in Lisbon for a reported motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival on scene, Troopers determined that two vehicles were involved in the accident and that there were no reported injuries.
On-scene investigation determined that the accident involved a front to rear end collision and identified the at-fault operator as Eric Leblanc (DOB 09/08/99), of Griswold. Troopers observed that Leblanc was exhibiting clear signs of impairment, to include pinpoint pupils and slow speech.
Upon running Leblanc's license, it was determined that there was an active warrant for his arrest held by Troop D- Danielson. Based upon the existence of an active arrest warrant, Leblanc was asked to step out of his vehicle. Leblanc complied and was arrested without incident. Leblanc was placed in handcuffs and subsequently searched, to which a loaded 9mm handgun was discovered in his waistband. Leblanc explained to Troopers that he had a valid pistol permit and that the firearm was registered to him.
Leblanc was found to be in possession of two wallets, and upon attempting to locate his pistol permit as described, Troopers located three small baggies containing a white powdery substance. Taking into account the initial impairment observations, Troopers asked Leblanc if he had consumed any drugs prior to driving. Leblanc explained that he had snorted fentanyl prior to the accident and further explained that the substance in the baggies was also fentanyl. The suspected narcotics along with the firearm were later seized as evidence in this investigation.
Based upon Trooper's observations on scene, to include the presence of suspected narcotics, Leblanc was asked to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Leblanc agreed to participate in SFST's and subsequently failed to perform to standard. Leblanc was re-secured in handcuffs following SFST's and advised that he was under arrest for charges related to this incident.
Leblanc was transported to Troop E, where he was processed on the following charges:
CGS 14-227a; Illegal Operation of a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
CGS 14-240(b*; Failure to Drive at a Reasonable Distance Apart- Motor Vehicle Accident
CGS 21a-279(a)(1); Possession of a Controlled Substance
CGS 53-206d(a); Illegal Carry of a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Leblanc was later released from Troop E custody on a $10,000 bond and turned over to the custody of Troop D for service of the active arrest warrant. Leblanc is scheduled to appear at Norwich Superior Court on 03/13/25 for the above-mentioned charges. Please see the attached criminal information summary, and refer to the link below regarding service of the Troop D arrest warrant:
