Man Arrested On Weapon, Drug Charges After Traffic Stop On Southern State

NORTH MERRICK, NY – A 32-year-old Long Island man was arrested on weapon and drug charges following a traffic stop on the Southern State Parkway early Sunday, State Police said.

According to police, troopers stopped a 1999 Chrysler Cirrus on the eastbound Southern State near Exit 23 in North Merrick for failing to maintain its lane at 1:20 a.m.

An investigation revealed that the driver, Matthew G. Clements, of Amityville, was in possession of three handguns, one of which was loaded and had been reported stolen, police said. Clements was also in possession of marijuana, police said.

Clements, who was the only person in the car, was arrested and charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon for a loaded firearm, third degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth degree criminal possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of marijuana and traffic violations.

Clements was arraigned Sunday at Nassau County First District Court. He is being held on $12,500 cash bail or $25,000 bond. He is due back in court on Wednesday.