Car Gets Stoned, Starter Gun Pulled On Throwers In Vernon: Report

VERNON, CT — A track and field starter gun was pointed at a group of throwers in Vernon last week and it had nothing to do with an athletics competition, Vernon police said.

The scene unraveled on May 5 at a local apartment complex located at 193 Terrace Drive, according to an arrest report and accompanying warrant released Tuesday. Police rushed to the area on reports that a man had just pulled a gun on a group of youths.

The gun was a track and field-style starter pistol, according to an arrest report. Tyler Hassett, 32, resident of the complex, pulled the realistic-looking pistol out of his shorts and confronted several youths after they were seen throwing rocks at a car, according to an arrest report.

The youths then attacked and assaulted Hassett, according to an arrest report.

Hassett was arrested at the scene and more arrests could be pending with the investigation remaining open, police said.

As of Tuesday, Hassett was free on a $5,000 bond after being charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, risk of injury to a child and second-degree breach of peace. He is due in Rockville Superior Court on May 17, according to an arrest report.