Alert Branford Police Officer Finds Loaded Gun, Cocaine

Branford police say they arrested James Nelson, 25, of 40 Marcy Road, Bridgeport just after 1 a.m. this morning when they found him allegedly in possession of narcotics and a loaded handgun.

Lt. John Alves, who commands the midnight shift, said that Officer Matt Clerkin’s attention was drawn to a suspicious motor vehicle parked in the area of 3 Business Park Drive.

Alves said that after Officer Clerkin learned that the vehicle’s registration was expired he stopped the vehicle being operated by Nelson.

Alves continued, “As a result of the stop, Officer Clerkin located a loaded .38 caliber handgun in the car, as well as a substance that tested positive for Cocaine. Furthermore, a weapons check indicated that the weapon was reported stolen.”

Nelson was charged with Illegal Possession of Firearm; Weapons in a Motor Vehicle; Larceny 5th Degree; Illegal Possession Narcotics; Operating Unregistered Vehicle; Suspended License; and Suspended Registration.

Nelson was released on a $10,000 bond and scheduled to appear in New Haven Court on January 12.