Cops Find Firearm, Pot In Glendale Stop
Police cuffed a Brooklyn tow truck operator in Glendale last Thursday afternoon, Apr. 10, after officers found in his possession several bags of marijuana and a loaded handgun during a routine traffic stop, it was reported.
Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Michael Perez, 41, of 13th Street in Park Slope.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the trouble began at about 12:10 p.m. last Thursday at the intersection of Vermont Place and Cypress Avenue.
Reportedly, members of the 104th Precinct on patrol in the area observed Perez make a turn without signaling while behind the wheel of a white tow truck.
The officers stopped the vehicle without incident and questioned Perez. In doing so, police noted, the officers detected a marijuana smell emanating from the vehicle.
Officers reportedly recovered while searching Perez two bags of marijuana from his pants pocket. Additionally, authorities stated, a loaded 9mm Hi-Point pistol with seven rounds in the magazine was found contained in a bag located on the passenger’s seat.
The weapon had a defaced serial number, law enforcement sources said .
Police also recovered a wooden baseball bat located between the driver’s seat and the center console, it was noted.
Perez was taken into custody by P.O. Jason Bianchini and charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of marijuana and several traffic violations- including having tinted windows darker than permitted under law.
According to court records, he was arraigned last Friday, Apr. 11, in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Toko Serita, who ordered him held on $30,000 bail.
Perez is due back in court on Apr. 25.
