Burglary suspect carried pellet gun, told Mass. cops he couldn't get permit for a real one

(CBS/AP) WORCESTER, Mass. - When police in central Massachusetts asked a man accused of breaking into a vacant home why he was carrying a pellet gun, the suspect told the officers that he was denied a permit to carry a real gun.

Hey, you gotta at least give him credit for being honest.

Worcester Police Chief Gary Gemme says such honesty in a criminal suspect is unusual, but added that it's proof that "the system we have in place works."

Gemme tells the Telegram & Gazette newspaper that pellet guns are still dangerous and the one carried by the suspect in Wednesday's break-in was indistinguishable from a real weapon.

John Boguzis was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, and carrying a dangerous weapon, in connection with the pre-dawn burglary at a home that's being renovated.