Published on: October 22, 2025, at 10:06 AM.
Updated on: October 22, 2025, at 10:18 AM.
- The suspect in this week’s police incident at Foxwoods admits to being under the influence of drugs
- Defendant David Griswold’s legal counsel informed the court he was using crack cocaine and heroin
- Griswold remains detained even after his bail was reduced by 50%
David Griswold, 40, the individual accused of unlawfully detaining two persons inside a hotel room at Foxwoods Resorts Casino, has acknowledged in court that he was high on crack cocaine. Despite this admission, his bail has been significantly reduced.
During a hearing on Tuesday, state prosecutors presented new information to New London’s Superior Court regarding the incident that prompted a substantial police response at the tribal casino managed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
The attorneys indicated to Judge Jassette Henry that tribal police were called to the 16th floor of the Fox Tower early Monday morning due to a disturbance that was “physical in nature.” Prior to law enforcement’s arrival, two women exited room 16-101.
One of the women, identified as an escort in the police report, informed authorities that they had been engaging in activities with Griswold, who had reportedly been partying for several days, before he allegedly became aggressive. The women claimed that Griswold restricted their exit from the hotel room, with one even hiding behind a couch and expressing her final goodbyes. Following a 9-1-1 call, they managed to flee just as police arrived.
Drug Use and Legal Charges Scrutinized
During the preliminary hearing, Griswold’s public defender stated that his client had experienced a relapse and was under the influence of both crack cocaine and heroin.
Upon police arrival at his door shortly after 6:30 AM, Griswold allegedly brandished a firearm towards the officers. State police negotiators then engaged in communication with him for several hours.
Ultimately, around 12:45 PM, state police deployed an unmanned robot to access the room. Griswold surrendered and was taken into custody. Reportedly, he admitted to law enforcement during his arrest that he was high on crack and heroin.
Although Judge Henry allowed several charges to proceed, including four counts of reckless endangerment, firearm possession while under the influence, and breach of peace, she questioned the validity of the more serious felony charges of unlawful restraint and attempted first-degree assault. She noted that the state failed to provide sufficient evidence to uphold the unlawful restraint charges, classified as Class D felonies, and the Class B attempted first-degree assault charges.
Consequently, Judge Henry reduced Griswold’s bail from $1 million to $500K.
Possibility of Returning Charges
The more serious charges remain unresolved. State prosecutors intend to return next month with additional evidence to present the case to Judge Henry. They indicated they were unable to gather certain information prior to the arraignment on Tuesday.
Griswold is currently in custody for not being able to post the $500K bail. If he is able to post bail, he will be required to surrender his four registered firearms, maintain no contact with the alleged victims, and comply with electronic monitoring.
Previously, Griswold was convicted of aggravated DUI; however, his criminal history is largely unremarkable.
The incident caused only minor disruptions at Foxwoods, with some areas of the Fox Tower being off-limits and a few guests restricted to their hotel rooms during the police operation.