Man arrested on gun charges in Windsor Locks

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A Massachusetts man was arrested on multiple gun charges after police responded to a reported disturbance at a hotel.

Edward J. Sweeney, 54, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, was taken into custody at approximately 9 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Candlewood Suites.

An employee at the hotel reported a disturbance involving a possible threat with a gun, according to the Windsor Locks Police Department.

Officers responded and encountered Sweeney, who was holding a 14-inch ratchet wrench.

Sweeney told police he had been attacked by two males, who had already left the area before officers arrived.

Another person interviewed said nothing had occurred, though signs of a disturbance were present.

During the investigation, Sweeney stated “he should have killed them,” referring to his alleged attackers, and repeated the sentiment a second time, police said.

Sweeney told officers he had a gun in his hotel room and another in his vehicle.

Police gained access to his hotel room, which was found propped open while unattended, creating a risk that the firearm could have been stolen or accessed by children.

Officers found a loaded revolver partially concealed under a sweatshirt in plain view.

A visual check of Sweeney’s vehicle revealed a 9mm handgun clearly displayed in an open top center console.

Sweeney was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, second-degree breach of peace, second-degree threatening, negligent storage of a firearm and improper storage of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

He was held on $50,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court Nov. 5.