More Information Released on Southington Weapons Arrest

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police have released more details on the arrest of a Bristol man on weapons charges. A full report was shared with the media on Tuesday.

On Sunday at 3:37 a.m. , Southington officers were dispatched to the former BP Gas station, 398 Main St., on a report of a suspicious vehicle.

The caller told police a car had pulled into the parking lot and the operator exited the vehicle and walked behind Pat’s Ice Cream, toward CVS.

Responding pofficers also found that there was tape covering the rear and front registration plates of the parked vehicle, according to a police report.

Officers checked Pat’s Ice Cream and did not find any indications of a burglary, but while checking the building, officers found John Skinnon holding a canvas bag and walking from the area of CVS back towards the vehicle, according to a report.

Skinnon said he parked the vehicle in BP due to mechanical issues, police said.

Officers checked the bag Skinnon was holding and they found that the bag contained a large kitchen knife and a "realistic looking facsimile handgun," according to a report.

Skinnon claimed he was carrying these items for his protection and a search of the vehicle also revealed a hypodermic needle on the floor, according to a report. Based on the investigation, John Skinnon, 45, of Bristol, was charged with possession of a facsimile firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Photo Credit: Southington PD