Traffic Stop in Southington Leads to Gun Charges

SOUTHINGTON, CT — A traffic stop led to gun charges against a Bristol man, police said.

On Saturday, Jason Pinette, 29, of Bristol was stopped for speeding, police said. While questioning him, an officer saw a scale that is commonly used to weigh drugs, according to a report. Pinette then turned over a small marijuana cigarette, according to a report.

A police dog unit then arrived at the scene and the canine indicated the presence of drugs in the vehicle, according to a report. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery and seizure of a .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun and a magazine containing 10 bullets. Pinette did not have a permit to carry the handgun, police said.

No other drugs were located in the vehicle, according to a report.

Pinette was charged with carrying a firearm without a permit, criminal possession of a handgun,
illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, possession of less than a half-ounce of cannabis,
possession of drug paraphernalia, and speeding.

He posted at $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Bristol Superior Court on Aug. 13, police said.

Photo Credit: SPD

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