State Police Seize Stolen Gun, Drugs After I-84 Stop in Vernon

VERNON, CT – State police confiscated drugs and a stolen gun after a traffic stop on Interstate-84 in Vernon Tuesday.

A trooper was in the left lane on the westbound side of the highway at 11:35 a.m. when he noticed a 2018 Hyundai Sonata with Massachusetts plates that appeared to be speeding just ahead of his cruiser, a report indicates. He clocked the car at 84 mph and noticed a front passenger not wearing a seat belt, according to a report.

The car was pulled over just prior to Exit 66.

As he began questioning the occupants, the trooper noticed "the overwhelming pungent smell of fresh marijuana emanating from inside the motor vehicle," a report indicates.

The trooper found a .45-cal. Taurus Millennium handgun inside a bag wrapped in a red bandana and white sock, reported stolen out of Washington state, according to a report. Also inside the bag were marijuana, crack cocaine and Suboxone strips, according to a report.

State police arrested 29-year-old-Devin Skinner, of Worcester, MA, at the scene. He was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and a related conspiracy, carrying a pistol without a permit, two counts of narcotics possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to wear a seat belt, according to a report. He was also issued an infraction ticket for pot possession, state police said.

He posted a $50,000 cash/surety bond and is due in Rockville Superior Court on Sept. 5, according to a report.

Photo Credit: CSP

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