A Cortland man accused of slamming his pickup truck into Southington fire engine is charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence and faces other charges as well.

Trumbull County Sheriff’s Deputies say 42-year-old Jason Gillespie’s pickup crashed into the back of a fire truck which was blocking traffic from a previous accident scene along Route 422 East of State Route 534 Sunday morning.

The sheriff’s report says a deputy could detect the odor or alcohol on Gillespie’s breath. The deputy said Gillespie was unable to complete a field sobriety test and refused to submit to a urine test.

The report says that a 9 mm pistol was found in the truck.  Due to a previous felony conviction, Gillespie is prohibited from having firearms.

Gillespie was arraigned Monday on charges of OVI, weapons violations, failing to stop for an emergency vehicle, and failing to maintain assured clear distance.  He’s due back in court Thursday.

  SVFD

 The back of the fire truck was damaged.  Southington Firefighters have parked the truck until a representative from the manufacturer can examine it on Thursday to make sure there isn’t more damage.