WESTPORT — A New Bedford man was arrested after police found him walking in the rain with a loaded gun and a stolen wallet early Monday morning.
Sergeant Nicholas Frustaci and Officer Christopher Rosa encountered Nathan Santana walking on Old County Road around 4:16 a.m. after responding to an alarm at Westport High/Middle School.
Officers noticed Santana was wearing only a white tank top and sweat pants despite the heavy rain, and was carrying a small pink wristlet.
When questioned, Santana claimed he had been walking or jogging with a friend but had taken a wrong turn and gotten lost.
Police observed scratches on Santana’s arms and back, and his clothing was partially covered in blood.
Santana told officers his girlfriend had dropped him off and that the wallet belonged to her, but she had forgotten it in the car.
Sergeant Frustaci noticed a bulge under Santana’s wet shirt at his waistline that appeared to be a firearm.
After detaining Santana, officers found a loaded, black semi-automatic handgun in his waistband.
A records check confirmed Santana did not possess a License to Carry.
Santana was arrested and charged with possession of a large capacity firearm without an FID card, unlicensed possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a large capacity feeding device, and receiving stolen property.
During booking, officers contacted the owner of the wallet, who was unaware Santana had stolen it.
Santana was transported to Fall River District Court for arraignment on the charges.
