A Linton man was arrested over the weekend during a traffic stop after officers found a loaded handgun in his vehicle and he didn’t have a permit.

Joseph Michael McBride, 18, Linton, was arrested by Officer Cayden Walker of the Linton Police Department early last Saturday, October 23.

Around 1:47 a.m. last Saturday, Officer Walker was on patrol on West Glenburn Road in Linton when he saw a black Chevrolet Impala eastbound with a license plate that didn’t look like it was working. Later, the officer determined the light was functioning, but it was not visible from a distance of 50 feet.

The vehicle made a couple of turns and a traffic stop was initiated on G Street NW. McBride was the driver who wasn’t wanted on any warrants and had a valid license. But Officer Walker reported McBride appeared to be nervous. McBride consented to a search of his vehicle.

With assistance from LPD Officer Bobby Pierce, a search allegedly turned up “roaches” containing a green plant material, and a gun magazine in a back floorboard. Officer Pierce then found a silver and black Smith and Wesson SD40 VE with a 30-round magazine loaded with 24 rounds.

McBride did not have a concealed carry permit and was transported to the Greene County Jail where he was booked in at 2:52 a.m. with bond set at $1,500 surety with ten percent cash allowed. He has since posted $150 and been released.

McBride’s initial hearing is set for November 1 on charges of:

• Carrying a handgun without a license, a Class A misdemeanor, and

• Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor.