GLOUCESTER — An Essex man faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm without a permit and larceny over $1,200, following an incident that led to his arrest on Tuesday night, according to the Gloucester Police Department.
Gerard E. Francis Jr., 36, was also charged with possession of ammunition without an FID, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of a Class B substance (subsequent offense), and resisting arrest.
Officers were dispatched to a business on Maplewood Ave. around 7:50 p.m. after receiving a report of a stolen E-bike.
The bike’s owner provided a description of the suspect to Officer Julio Mercado, who initiated an investigation.
Shortly thereafter, Officer Kevin Mackey encountered Francis near Willow and Cleveland streets, fitting the suspect’s description.
A pat-frisk revealed a black handgun tucked in Francis’ waistband.
Francis attempted to flee but was apprehended by police after a brief chase.
A subsequent search resulted in the recovery of a Glock 17 handgun with a large capacity, 28 rounds of ammunition, more than $1,700 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and a small quantity of cocaine.
The stolen E-bike was located nearby and returned to its owner.
Francis was arraigned in Gloucester District Court on Wednesday, where he was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Oct. 1.
