Felon Caught with Gun, Body Armor Drugs After Traffic Stop: Cops

MANCHESTER, NH - A failure to display plates violation led to numerous charges against a convicted felon including gun and drug charges, according to Manchester Police.

Gary Fitzgerald, 34, of Manchester, was arrested on Feb. 17, 2016, and charged with sale/manufacturing a controlled drug, convicted felon in possession of a dangerous weapon, receiving stolen property, felonious use of body armor, and driving after suspension/revocation.

Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Manchester Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. Click this link to find out how to get a name removed from a New Hampshire Patch police report.

A Manchester officer and state trooper working “a high visibility patrol initiative” yesterday morning saw a 2014 Ford Focus without a plate and pulled the vehicle over at Granite and Douglas streets.

They spoke to the driver – Fitzgerald – and a female passenger. Fitzgerald was determined to be operating after suspension or revocation and was arrested.

“The trooper searched Fitzgerald and located a ballistic vest underneath his winter jacket as well as an assortment of prescription pills, 2.91 grams heroin, and three syringes,” according to Lt. Brian O’Keefe of the Manchester Police Department. “Consent to search the motor vehicle was given and officers located additional items inside the car.”

Those additional items, according to police, allegedly included two digital scales, 12 empty bags, a stolen .22 caliber Beretta handgun, and a lidocaine patch.

O’Keefe noted that the gun was reported stolen in December 2015 from a Queen City home.

Fitzgerald was held and arraigned today. Last month, he was arrested by NHSP after a traffic stop, in the same car, on Union Street, according to a post on Bedford NH Patch. The female passenger was not charged and released from the scene, according to police.