Man Charged With Gun, Drug Crimes In Groton: Police

GROTON, CT — A man was arrested on drug and gun charges in Groton on Sunday, according to police. Police conducted a traffic stop at 3:34 a.m. on a vehicle belonging to Lamont Coleman, 31, of Ledyard.

Officers smelled the odor of marijuana. When asked, Coleman admitted to possessing marijuana and showed officers a small pill-sized bottle containing marijuana, according to police.

Backup officers saw a reusable shopping bag in the back seat of the vehicle that contained a quantity of the same bottles that Coleman showed officers.

Police said they searched the vehicle and found 461.3 grams (16 oz.) of marijuana, a quantity of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, 2 scales, a large quantity of marijuana packaging material and a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Coleman was placed under arrest and transported to Groton Police Headquarters for processing.

Coleman was found to be a convicted felon, meaning he is prohibited from owning a gun.

Coleman was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana greater than 8 ounces, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance within 1500 feet of a school, failure to display registration plate, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle without tint inspection.

He was released after posting a $35,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New London Superior Court April 22.