A former Connecticut state police sergeant was taken into custody following a heated exchange outside his home that escalated into a criminal charge.
According to Eyewitness News 3, Brian Fahey, 53, was arrested for disorderly conduct after confronting a YouTuber who displayed old footage of a prior encounter on a digital billboard near his residence.
The confrontation unfolded on July 11, 2025, outside Fahey’s home in Groton, Connecticut. Sean Paul Reyes, a YouTuber known for recording encounters with public officials, arrived at the location along with a cameraman. They parked a digital billboard in the area, looping footage from a 2021 clash between Reyes and Fahey.
Video From Past Exchange Sparks New Clash
The original footage shown on the billboard was from an incident at the Connecticut State Police headquarters in Middletown. In the 2021 exchange, Reyes reportedly questioned Fahey over what he believed to be improper use of overtime by the then-officer. The footage went viral online and drew heightened scrutiny toward Fahey.
The reappearance of that video two years later appeared to strike a nerve. On the day the billboard was revealed, Fahey emerged from his home visibly agitated. According to investigators, he proceeded to grab a firearm from inside the residence and spit on Reyes during the confrontation. The Office of the State’s Attorney, Judicial District of Windha, opened an investigation shortly after the altercation. Following the inquiry, officials concluded that Fahey’s behavior during the incident warranted criminal charges.
Fahey Charged Following State Inquiry
Fahey was formally arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. The charge is classified as a misdemeanor, and police did not release a mugshot of the retired officer. He was released on a promise to appear in court and is scheduled for arraignment at Danielson Superior Court on September 3, 2025.
During the investigation, Fahey was placed on unpaid administrative leave by the Connecticut State Police. Before the case reached its legal conclusion, Fahey retired from his position with the department. His attorneys have not made any public statements on his behalf, and Reyes has yet to comment on the arrest via his media outlets. Reyes, who has a sizable online following, has frequently targeted public officials with his videos. His campaign against alleged government misconduct has resulted in numerous viral clips, some of which focus on police accountability.
From Viral Footage to Legal Consequences
Neighbors and passersby saw the digital billboard outside Fahey’s home in the Groton community. Its content reportedly remained visible for several hours on July 11, attracting attention and ultimately prompting Fahey’s response.
Although it remains unclear whether Reyes coordinated with local officials before the billboard display, the footage itself was publicly available online. Civil liberties advocates have argued that the incident raises questions about free speech and public accountability, while others have expressed concern over the safety of online activism. The situation adds to a growing list of social media-driven encounters involving former or current law enforcement personnel. Experts say the line between online provocation and real-world consequences continues to blur, especially when private residences become venues for public disputes.
Legal Process Set to Begin in September
Fahey’s upcoming court appearance could mark the beginning of continued legal scrutiny stemming from his alleged actions on July 11. Disorderly conduct charges in Connecticut typically result in fines or brief probationary periods, but can carry more serious consequences depending on the circumstances.
No other charges have been announced in connection with the incident, and officials confirmed that Reyes and his cameraman were not detained. The state’s attorney’s office declined further comment, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. Fahey’s arrest has not impacted any ongoing investigations related to the original 2021 footage, and state police leaders have confirmed that no additional disciplinary actions are pending for current staff connected to the case.
Public Reaction Split Over Accountability and Tactics
Reactions to the arrest in Groton and beyond have varied. Some residents support Reyes' efforts to highlight alleged misconduct through non-violent yet provocative methods, such as mobile billboards. Others argue that such tactics unfairly target individuals in their homes and raise safety concerns.
Local officials have not announced any plans to regulate similar public demonstrations in residential neighborhoods. Legal analysts suggest the outcome of Fahey’s court case may influence future interpretations of confrontational speech and conduct in public places.
Meanwhile, Reyes continues to post updates about his activism on social media, including mentions of the July 11 incident. His supporters view the arrest as validation of his video content, while critics caution that escalating tensions between citizens and former law enforcement figures could lead to unintended consequences.
