A routine traffic stop in Connecticut turned into a strange and unusual arrest after officers discovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Surprisingly, officers also discovered a cannon in the trunk.
According to the report, the incident happened on May 21 at 6:25 p.m. Officer Wallace observed a vehicle driving erratically on West Main Street, prompting him to follow it.
After observing additional traffic violations, Officer Wallace initiated a traffic stop, and the driver complied. It was during the initial investigation that things started to take a strange turn.
Officer Wallace, a Drug Recognition Expert, noticed signs of impairment by the driver, which prompted a search. While the drugs were an expected find, the cannon was likely not.
Officers Discover Cannon in Vehicle Trunk
Police administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to the driver, which police reported he failed. This only further contributed to officers’ concerns regarding impairment.
After this, the driver was placed under arrest and identified as 56-year-old Benton Grenier of Vernon. The cannon was discovered after this, and police have not released details about whether it was functional, loaded, or otherwise capable of firing.
Authorities also did not announce any criminal charges related to the cannon itself. Police have not said whether the device violated any weapons laws or whether additional charges could be considered as the investigation continues.
Police noted that the cannon appeared to be homemade. Grenier was charged with multiple offenses related to alleged impairment, narcotics, and motor vehicle violations, though police did not release details regarding the specific narcotics recovered.
Charges Filed Against Connecticut Driver
Grenier now faces multiple charges, including DUI, narcotics offenses, and motor vehicle violations. Police did not announce any charges related to the cannon, and officials have not provided additional information regarding whether possession of the device itself violated any state laws.
According to the Vernon Police Department, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving. In its statement, the department wrote, “This incident serves as another reminder of the unpredictable situations officers can encounter during routine traffic enforcement and the importance of proactive policing in keeping our community safe.”
If convicted of the charges announced by police, Grenier could face fines and jail time. However, authorities have not released information indicating that the cannon played a role in the criminal charges that were announced.
Further details about whether the homemade cannon violated any weapons laws have not yet been released. Police have not announced any charges related to the cannon itself, and it remains unclear whether investigators determined the device was functional, loaded, or otherwise unlawful to possess.
As with all criminal matters, the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Reactions to Police Finding Cannon in Trunk
Various commenters shared their thoughts on the unusual discovery, with many focusing on the cannon rather than the narcotics allegations.
One person wrote, “Glad to get an impaired person off the road. Give him his canon back!”
In the same vein, another commenter wrote, “If he had an eye patch and a peg leg he’d be considered arrrrrrrr’med and dangerous 🏴☠️”
Another commenter suggested the device may have been ceremonial rather than a weapon, writing, “Its a saluting cannon and doesnt fire any projectile. Probably used for memorial day commencements.”
Police have not publicly confirmed whether the cannon was functional or what it was intended to be used for.
Local authorities did not release additional identifying information. When agencies provide limited details, we supplement reporting with local news coverage, public records, and direct outreach whenever possible. In this case, no additional information was available at the time of publication.