Vaping Device Mistaken For Gun In Windsor Locks Incident

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT - A man involved in an altercation at the Travel Lodge pulled out a vaping device that was mistaken for a gun. According to police, officers responded to a disturbance call Saturday at the 383 Center St. motel.

Several people yelled “he’s got a gun, he’s got a gun,” as the suspect ran toward the woods off of the parking lot area. Police called in mutual aid from Troop H and Windsor.

The suspect, Joseph Schrum, 30, was located shortly thereafter without incident.

Police said that investigation determined Schrum was in "a brief altercation with another individual at the hotel, and reached for a dark object that was in the small of his back. This object was said to have been pointed at the individual by Schrum and perceived to be a handgun."

However, police did not find a gun on Schrum's person or in the area. Schrum denied having a gun, and police patted him down, they found a large, dark vaping device on him, which he said he pulled out during the argument.

Schrum was arrested and charged with breach of peace. His bond was set at $ 1,000 and he was given a court date of May 21.