Police: Teacher fired gun at man set to drive him to rehab

PORTLAND — A Middletown science teacher was arrested last month after police say he fired several shots at a man who was supposed to drive him to an alcohol rehabilitation center.

Thomas Pepe, 48, who is listed as a science teacher at Beman Middle School on the Middletown Public Schools’ website, was arrested Jan. 30 at his home after Portland police were notified about the shots being fired, according to an incident report obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

In a letter to the school community last Saturday, Middletown Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Vazquez Matos said the district was notified that an employee had been arrested for “numerous firearm related charges.” Matos said the employee, who he did not identify, “remains on administrative leave pending an investigation.”

The school district declined to comment or provide additional details regarding Pepe’s employment status. Matos also did not indicate in his letter why he did not inform the school community when he was first notified about the arrest.

“Because this is a personnel matter and, therefore, considered confidential, there is no update at this time,” district spokesperson Jessie Lavorgna said in an email Thursday.

John J. Ghidini, who is listed as Pepe’s attorney for the case, did not respond to a request for comment.

According to the incident report, the man who was supposed to drive Pepe to the rehab facility in Canton, Mass., asked police to conduct a welfare check after the shots were fired.

When the driver got to the home, “Pepe became belligerent and then fired about three shots while Pepe was standing in the driveway,” the incident report said.

The driver left the residence and called police. When officers arrived at Pepe’s residence that evening, he showed “signs of intoxication and did acknowledge shooting in his driveway,” the incident report stated.

“He stated that two mob guys were present and he started shooting to scare them off,” police said in the incident report. The driver told police there were no other people present when he arrived to pick up Pepe, according to the report.

Police checked the lawn by Pepe’s driveway and discovered five spent 9 mm bullet casings, along with a left slipper that matched the one Pepe wore on his right foot, the incident report said.

Pepe denied having a 9 mm pistol in his home and said he fired the shots with a .22 rifle, the report stated. When police found the casings, he said it must have been someone else, according to the report.

Police then searched Pepe’s home and found a 9 mm ghost gun with a 15round magazine in a basement closet, the report stated. Police also seized nine long weapons, ammunition, two .223 magazines and two .22 caliber magazines, according to the incident report.

Police charged Pepe with second-degree breach of peace, second-degree reckless endangerment, illegally carrying a firearm while intoxicated, illegal discharge of a firearm, illegal possession of a high-capacity magazine and possession of a ghost gun, according to the incident report.

Pepe was taken to the hospital for evaluation and was later released from custody on a $5,000 bond. He is scheduled to next appear in court on March 17, judicial records show.

Police noted in the report they had previously conducted welfare checks at Pepe’s home.

Those struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration national helpline at 800662-HELP (4357) for a free and confidential treatment referral or for more information.

The state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services also has a helpline that can link individuals to residential detox and other services. The helpline can be reached at 800-563-4086.