3 arrested for fight over cigarettes

NORWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- 3 men were arrested after an altercation over cigarettes injured one of the men.

On Tuesday around 3:40 p.m. officers responded to Main St. and Railroad Ave. for the report of a person stabbed during a fight.

Police found John Warner, 50, of 19 Jay Street, New London with puncture wounds to the back of his left arm.

Investigation revealed that Warner had been in an altercation with Bruce Skidgel, who was with his pregnant girlfriend on Main Street, police said.

Warner and a third person involved, Stanley Scovish, approached the couple on Main St. looking for cigarettes.

According to police, Skidgel and his pregnant girlfriend refused to sell a cigarette to Warner and Scovish which led to a physical confrontation near Otis Library.

At some point Skidgel stabbed Warner twice in his left tricep, police said.

Warner was taken to William W. Backus Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released. He was charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Warner was held on a $1,000 bond pending his arraignment.

Scovish, 62, was charged with second-degree threatening and breach of beach. He was held on a $1,000 bond pending his arraignment.

Skidgel, 23, was charged with second-degree assault and breach of peace. He was held on a $1,000 bond pending his arraignment as well.