Stolen e-bike investigation leads to gun, drug arrest in Gloucester – Boston 25 News

GLOUCESTER, Mass. – A seemingly routine investigation of a stolen bicycle Tuesday led to multiple gun and drug charges against a North Shore man.

Gerard E. Francis Jr., 36, of Essex, is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a large capacity firearm, theft over $1,200 and possession of a Class B substance charged. and resisting arrest.

According to Gloucester Police, officers responding to a report of an e-bike theft at the McDonald's on Maplewood Avenue shortly before 8 p.m. spoke with a victim and received a description of the suspected thief.

Officer Kevin Mackey located a man matching the description about a block away near Willow and Cleveland streets a short time later, later identified as Francis.

Police say they found probable cause to pat and search Francis for a weapon and found a black handgun in his waistband.

He allegedly tried to flee from officers but was arrested.

A further search revealed that Francis was in possession of a Glock 17 high-capacity handgun, 28 rounds of ammunition, more than $1,700 in cash, drug paraphernalia and a small amount of cocaine, according to investigators.

The stolen e-bike was also located a short distance away and returned to its owner.

“This case, which began as a seemingly simple investigation, is an example of the high standard of police work to which we strive and underscores the value of sound procedural knowledge and attention to detail,” said Chief Conley, who praised all of the officers involved. “This arrest removed a dangerous individual and a firearm from our community, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant and methodical in police work.”

Francis was arraigned in Gloucester District Court on Wednesday. He was held without bail pending an Oct. 1 dangerousness hearing.

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