Man arrested after flashing gun look-alike

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - A Hartford man was arrested after police found him in possession of a facsimile BB gun.

Police were stationed in the area of Albany Avenue and East Street in Hartford on Feb. 28 after receiving information that aggressive drug dealings were occurring there.

Officers say they saw two people in a verbal fight. At one point, a man identified as 37-year-old Lester Collier lifted his shirt to show what looked like the grip of a gun. Police then secured the scene and arrested Collier.

Police seized a P-9 Stinger 9mm facsimile BB gun with a removable clip and with ape around the grip from Collier.

He was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a school.

Collier was released on a written promise to appear. He is scheduled is appear in Hartford Superior Court on March 6.

"Facsimile weapons, when used with intent to harm, are not toys; they can hurt, they can cause injury.  We have seen such weapons used in criminal activity in the past. The public can be assured when we do observe them used with intent to harm we will take action," Hartford Police Chief James C. Rovella said.