Groton man arrested after threatening hotel guests with knife

GROTON — A man was arrested Sunday morning after displaying a knife and threatening to kill guests at a local hotel, including members of a youth marching band, authorities said.

Jonathan Jean-Pierre, whose age was not immediately provided, was taken into custody outside the Baymont Inn on Route 12 after Groton Police responded to multiple 911 calls around 7:14 a.m.

Groton Emergency Dispatch first received a call from Jean-Pierre complaining that hotel staff refused him entry into a room.

As officers headed to the scene, additional calls reported Jean-Pierre had brandished a knife and made verbal threats to “kill everyone.”

Upon arrival, police found Jean-Pierre in front of the hotel holding a knife.

Officers commanded him to drop the weapon, but he continued walking toward Route 12.

An officer used a Taser to subdue Jean-Pierre, who was then arrested without injury and evaluated by Groton Ambulance.

Investigations revealed Jean-Pierre became aggressive when he couldn’t access an unprepared room.

He shouted profanities within earshot of a youth marching band having breakfast.

A parent confronted Jean-Pierre, who then threatened the parent with the knife.

The band, comprising youths and adults aged 13 to 21, was in town for a competition.

No injuries were reported among the victims.

Jean-Pierre, who was found to be in possession of a folding multi-tool/knife, was processed at the Groton Police Headquarters and held on a $275,000 bond.

The knife used in the incident was seized as evidence.