A Southington man is free on bond after pleading not guilty to charges filed after police from eight communities were called to break up a crowd of people said to be drinking and smoking inside a Warren gas station.

Officers were called to the Sheetz on East Market Street at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday to disperse a crowd estimated at 30 to 35 people.

Police say they had to repeatedly tell the group to leave before the convenience store was cleared.

Larry Owens, 48, of Southington was arrested on charges of assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and criminal trespassing.

After spending part of the weekend in the county jail, Owens was arraigned via video in Warren Municipal Court.

Another court hearing for Owens is set for February 6.