On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 3:51 PM, Troop E- Montville personnel responded to a residence in Lisbon for a report of gunshots heard in the area.
Upon arrival, the Trooper spoke with the reporting party, who explained they were outdoors with a friend working on an exterior home project when they heard gunshots nearby. The complainant reported hearing what sounded like a bullet whizzing past them and striking their home. The witnesses suspected the shots were fired from the residence across the street. The complainant also provided the Trooper with footage from their Ring camera, which showed the witnesses ducking for cover and captured the sound of a projectile flying past.
The complainant showed the Trooper the area where the bullet had struck the home. The Trooper confirmed that a .22 caliber bullet was lodged in the exterior siding on the front of the house.
After confirming that no one had been injured by the gunshots, Troopers located and made contact with the suspect across the street, identified as James Adams (DOB: 09/22/1958) of Lisbon. While speaking with Adams inside his home, Troopers quickly noted signs of impairment, including the odor of alcohol and slurred speech. During the conversation, Adams admitted to shooting a squirrel on his property, claiming he was aiming toward the northeast and shooting in a downward trajectory. However, when Troopers spoke with a family member at the residence, they were told that Adams had actually shot two squirrels on the southwest side of the property, a direction that the Trooper determined pointed toward the complainant's home.
The rifle used in this incident was seized and submitted as evidence. Adams surrendered his remaining firearms and ammunition to Troopers.
Based on the information obtained during the investigation, Adams was arrested and transported to Troop E for processing where he was charged with the following violations:
C.G.S. 53-203 - Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
C.G.S. 53-206d(a) - Illegal Carry of a Firearm while under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
C.G.S. 53a-63 - Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree
C.G.S. 53a-181 - Breach of Peace 2nd Degree
Following arrest processing, Adams was released on a $1,500 bond and is scheduled for arraignment at Norwich Superior Court on 01/23/2025.
Please see the attached criminal information summary.
