A Rome man was charged with unlawful possession of a loaded firearm inside a motor vehicle after police stopped him for traveling 17 miles over the speed limit on Kennedy Memorial Drive.

Eric Connor Michael Bachand, 19, of 11 Wentworth Place, Rome, received summonses Tuesday for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle without a conceal-carry permit, speeding and an outstanding warrant of unknown origin.

Police reported that Officer Michael Sayers stopped Bachand for traveling 52 in a 35 mph zone.

Bachand locked the brakes of his Subaru stationwagon and slid sideways in front of Sayers’ police cruiser, swearing when he came to a stop, Sayers reported in his log.

“Bachand was initially very uncooperative and hostile toward the officer,” said Capt. Rick Stubbert. “A subsequent search found a loaded handgun on his person.”

Bachand allegedly told Sayers he was carrying the .45 caliber weapon.

Sayers reported finding the fully loaded pistol in Bachand’s belt as well as an extra magazine, which was also fully loaded, in his pocket.

Stubbert said Bachand was released from the Oakland police station after posting $600 bail.

Possession of a loaded firearm in a moving motor vehicle is a class E crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.


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