Cops: Westport Man Displayed Loaded Gun at Southport Diner

[Editor's note: Arrest information is supplied by the Fairfield Police Department. It does not indicate convictions.]

A Westport man was arrested early Friday after he allegedly displayed a loaded handgun -- causing three people to fear for their safety -- at the Athena Diner, police said.

Rahul Taylor, 29, of Treadwell Avenue, was charged with three counts of first-degree threatening, reckless endangerment, breach of peace, and carrying a firearm under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, according to the report.

Witnesses told responding officers that Taylor had been arguing with a friend and, during the argument, placed a loaded handgun on the table, causing patrons to fear for their safety, department spokesperson Sgt. Sue Lussier said.

Police located Taylor in a booth with a friend at the Southport diner and asked Taylor if he was in possession of a gun. According to the report, Taylor said no. He appeared to be intoxicated and admitted to drinking alcoholic beverages -- both at the diner and, before that, at the Gray Goose, police said.

Officers asked Taylor again if he had a gun, and the reply was no, according to the report. Taylor was asked to stand up -- as he did so, he reached for the right side of his body, where police observed a gun in his waistband, department spokesperson Sgt. Sue Lussier said.

An officer immediately grabbed Taylor's wrist and removed a loaded pistol from his possession, according to the report.

Police detained Taylor and transported him to headquarters, where he was processed and charged. His bond was set at $50,000 and he is scheduled to appear in court on April 9.

Taylor had a valid pistol permit for the aforementioned gun, according to police. The permit was seized and will be reviewed by the Connecticut Firearms Review Board. Police are also working to locate and seize other weapons registered under Taylor's name.