Police thought they saw a gun during a traffic stop, but it was a flamethrower
A Springfield man faces several related charges, including possession of an infernal machine.
Brandon McGee
When Springfield police stopped a vehicle early Sunday after seeing someone standing up and recording himself in an open sunroof, they thought they saw a gun inside.
It turns out it was a flamethrower, authorities said.
Brandon McGee, 33, of Sunapee Street, is being charged with carrying a dangerous weapon with an active warrant, and possession of an infernal machine, according to Springfield police in a news release. He also had an active default felony warrant for receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, subsequent offense.
Police had set up an anti-drag racing detail near East Columbus Avenue when, at around 1 a.m., they saw McGee standing up through his sunroof, and noticed the vehicle’s inspection sticker wasn’t active, the release said.
When police stopped the vehicle near the 400 block on East Columbus Avenue, they found three people inside and what they thought was a rifle grip, according to their report.
“The occupants stated that it was not a gun, but a flamethrower and Mr. McGee stated it belonged to him,” police said in the release.
The driver of the vehicle was also cited for lack of a current inspection sticker, authorities said.
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