Norwalk political leader Bobby Burgess arrested for firing weapon

A Norwalk, Connecticut, political leader, who said his gun ACCIDENTALLY went off while he was attempting to break-up a fight between two neighbors, was released from jail on Saturday without having to post bond.

Hours after the incident, Bobby Burgess turned himself in to police claiming that his weapon went off during a struggle.

Burgess told police his neighbor’s girlfriend ran to his home on Friday seeking refuge from her boyfriend, Jerry Zwirko, who had been beating her.

He said he went next-door to talk to 51-year-old Zwirko, but Zwirko attacked him and knocked him to the floor. While on the floor, he said there was a struggle and as he was trying to remove his gun holstered from his belt, the gun accidentally went off.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

It is unclear why Bobby Burgess, the vice chairman of the Democratic District B Committee of South Norwalk, did not immediately notify police about the incident.  However, around 10:20 p.m. Saturday, Burgess reported the incident to police.  He said he had the gun on him because he had carried it with him to the bank earlier in the day.

Reports say Zwirko’s girlfriend, who has not been identified, backed up Burgess’ story.

Burgess was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment.  He is scheduled to appear in court on March 4.

Zwirko was charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree assault.  He is being held on $5,000 bond.