PORTSMOUTH — A 35-year-old local man was arrested early Sunday morning, Dec. 16, after he allegedly fired a handgun while intoxicated.

John A. Eirich, 35, of 605 Boyds Lane, was charged with firing in a compact area and carrying a weapon while intoxicated, according to Detective Lt. Michael Arnold.

On Sunday at about 3:30 a.m., officers responded to the Tradesman Center, 1678 East Main Road, after receiving a report of an intoxicated man in possession of a firearm, Lt. Arnold said. 

“Officers responding to the scene were told that the male party, who was later identified as John Eirich, was sending messages and video of him firing a handgun in a workplace area, to a 38-year-old female,” Lt. Arnold stated in a press release.

Mr. Eirich was cooperative with officers, but displayed signs of “obvious intoxication,” he said. 

Officers found spent 9mm casings along with a bullet fragment embedded into the floor of the building, and confiscated a 9mm handgun believed to be the weapon that had been discharged, Lt. Arnold said.

Mr. Eirich was taken into custody and later arraigned by a justice of the peace and released. 

“Officers also seized several other firearms that belonged to Eirich as a result of this investigation,” Lt. Arnold stated.

Here are some other highlights from the Portsmouth Police reports from over the past week:

Thursday, Dec. 13

Steven M. Silva, 56, of 60 Grove St., Lincoln, was charged with breaking into a home without the consent of the owner shortly before 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15

Sebastian Quixan, 28, of 24 Hall Ave., Apt. 2, Newport, was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense) at about 10:45 p.m. Police pulled Mr. Quixan’s vehicle over on West Main Road at Redwood Road after receiving a request to check the condition of the operator.