Airsoft Gun Brought to Bloomingdale Bar, Cops Say

A Bloomingdale man was arrested on Dec. 21 after police said he had an Airsoft gun in his possession that was painted to look like a handgun.

John Lahowchic, 35, was charged with possession of an imitation firearm for unlawful purposes. He was released on bail.

According to a press release sent by Bloomingdale Police Ptl. Dan Fletcher, police responded to a Hamburg Turnpike bar, which was not named, just after 10 p.m. after a patron said she was shown a silver gun by Lahowchic. Fletcher said several other bar patrons said they also saw the gun but that it was only visible when Lahowchic lifted his shirt.

The Pompton Lakes Police Department assisted with putting out a police broadcast of Lahowchic's description, as well as the description of the car he was driving. By 10:39 p.m., Lahowchic's car was stopped by Butler police.

Police were able to determine that the gun was an Airsoft gun, a non-lethal weapon. Typically, Fletcher said, Airsoft guns have orange tips, although Lahowchic's was painted black.

After he was released, Lahowchic was given a date to appear in court.

For questions on this blotter, email ariana.cohn@patch.cohn