When Dennis Harrison was arrested by Massachusetts State Police for allegedly setting off the fire alarm at the Steelers’ hotel the morning before the AFC Championship, he had a simple explanation for his arresting officer.
“I’m drunk. I’m stupid. I’m a Pats fan.”
The 25-year-old East Boston man was arraigned Monday morning on counts of disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and setting off a false fire alarm. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He’s due back in court Feb. 13.
Wiggling away from these charges may prove difficult for Harrison, who confessed to pulling the alarm after being detained by state troopers following the incident.
“Harrison informed me that he knowingly and willingly activated the fire alarm system with the sole purpose of attempting to disrupt the Pittsburgh Steelers football team,” Trooper Bryan Erickson wrote in his police report.
According to the Boston Globe, Harrison’s defense will rely on convincing a judge he was too intoxicated to have the police take him seriously.
“What stands out in the police report is an allegation of alcohol use,” Napolitano told the paper. “There are also allegations that there were some statements made by this gentleman and the question that becomes pretty obvious: was he in any condition to make statements?”
Surprisingly, Harrison’s alleged antics at the Hilton weren’t the only fire alarm to disrupt preparations Sunday. Gillette Stadium also had to be evacuated due to a false alarm in the hours leading up to the game. The Patriots won Sunday’s AFC title game 36-17.