BELLINGHAM — Bellingham detectives have apprehended two men following an investigation into threats involving a firearm, according to a press release from the Bellingham Police Department.
On Jan. 2, police issued a search warrant for a local residence and vehicle after receiving a report of threats.
Before executing the warrant, at about 2:00 p.m., the primary suspect left the residence in a vehicle with another male.
A felony traffic stop was conducted on Center Street by officers from the patrol and detective divisions, with aid from the Blackstone Valley Drug and Anti-Crime Task Force.
The driver, Brian Bernier, 29, of Bellingham, and the passenger, Scott McPhail, 34, of Woonsocket, were detained.
Bernier faced arrest for motor vehicle offenses and the firearm-related threats, while McPhail was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
Following the arrests, officers proceeded to the residence to carry out the search warrant, which resulted in the discovery of two illegally possessed firearms and a significant amount of controlled substances.
The vehicle search also yielded additional controlled substances.
Bernier is expected to face multiple charges including threats to commit a crime, assault with a dangerous weapon, discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of a firearm without a license to carry, possession of ammunition, improper storage of a firearm accessible to someone under 18, and possession with intent to distribute Class A, B, C, D, and E controlled substances.
Operating a motor vehicle after suspension is also among the charges.
He is currently held on $10,000 cash bail.
McPhail was released on $150 cash bail.
