Winona man arrested with two guns, claims he was mugged

(KWNO)-A Winona man was arrested on the street with two guns early Friday morning. Police dispatchers received a call from 31-year-old Erik Todd Bennick around 1:15 a.m. Bennick claimed he was mugged by two people, but dispatchers suspected he was intoxicated. Police officers found Bennick in an alley near the intersection of West 5th Street and Olmstead Street.

1895 Nagant revolver photo courtesy americanrifleman.org

According to a police spokesperson an unloaded 20-gauge bolt action shotgun and a fully loaded seven round revolver were on the ground next to Bennick. The spokesperson said the revolver is an 1895 Nagant 10, possibly an “antique gun.”  Officers separated Bennick from the guns and according to the police report he was uncooperative in giving details about the alleged mugging, telling officers only that two people had “threatened his safe space.” Officers determined Bennick was intoxicated, and the mugging claim was unfounded. The spokesperson said Bennick was drinking at Fast Eddie’s bar and then went home and got the guns before calling police. He’s charged with carrying a pistol without a permit among other charges.