Police collared a Long Island man who allegedly hid a loaded gun inside the wheel well of a parked SUV in Ridgewood early on Sunday morning, Feb. 2, authorities stated.
Law enforcement agents identified the suspect as Samuel Garcia, 26, of Linden Street in Valley Stream.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the incident occurred at about 12:05 a.m. Sunday on Cornelia Street near Myrtle Avenue.
Reportedly, members from the 104th Precinct arrived at the location and observed Garcia arguing with another man.
During the exchange, the officers allegedly observed Garcia walk into the middle of the street and approach the driver’s side of a parked SUV. He reportedly crouched down near the vehicle for a moment, then rose and walked back to the sidewalk.
Authorities said the officers then stopped Garcia and checked the SUV. Reportedly, they discovered a .45- caliber pistol atop the front driver’s side tire; police said the pistol contained 10 live rounds.
Upon further investigation, officers determined the weapon’s rightful owner reported it stolen to the Bethlehem, Pa. Police Department in September 2009.
P.O. Derek Keane of the 104th Precinct booked Garcia on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second- and third-degree and criminal possession of stolen property.
According to court records, the suspect was arraigned on Sunday in Queens Criminal Court before Judge David Hawkins, who ordered him held on $20,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 18.
