Handgun, Ammunition Taken From Convicted Felon In Newington

NEWINGTON, CT — An early-morning traffic stop on the Berlin Turnpike wound up with the arrest of a convicted felon illegally in possession of a handgun and 43 rounds of ammunition.

Around 12:48 a.m., a Newington police officer initiated a motor vehicle stop on a black Lexus traveling northbound on the Berlin Turnpike for an equipment violation. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, Sgt. Christopher Perry said.

The occupants were removed from the vehicle, and Newington police canine Argos conducted a search of the interior compartment of the vehicle. Argos alerted to several areas within the vehicle, and the handler then conducted a search of those locations, Perry said.

Marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located in the vehicle, along with a black .32 caliber Derringer style handgun. Also located with the handgun were 43 rounds of ammunition, Perry said.

The operator, Justin Johnson, 27, of Hartford, was charged with two counts of criminal possession of firearms/ammunition, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of less than a half-ounce of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and tinted windows. He was held on $75,000 bond, and was arraigned Thursday in New Britain Superior Court.

Photos courtesy of Newington Police Department