PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A routine patrol in a known drug area led to the arrest of two men and seizure of a gun and drugs, the police said.
Just before midnight Wednesday, patrol officers driving through Messer Street recognized a 53-year-old man wanted on a warrant who was sitting in front of 37 Messer St. in the city's West End.
Officers recovered a .22-caliber weapon and ammunition along with cocaine and drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale.
Four hours later, officers saw a man leaving the basement apartment. They noticed the 54-year-old man had two gold rings that had been in the apartment. He was charged with breaking and entering.
The men were not immediately identified.
The property is to be referred to the city's nuisance task force.
The original version of this story was posted at 7:57 a.m.
ARRESTEE IDENTIFIED: The police have identified the 53-year-old arrested at 37 Messer St. as Michael Carpenter. Carpenter was wanted on a bench warrant for missing court appearances on ability to pay costs associated with two convictions this year for driving on a suspended license. He owes $94.50 and $444.50 in those cases, according to court records. Carpenter, first seen standing outside the apartment building, was arrested inside the living room of his basement apartment, the police said. Officers saw him through an open front door. As they entered the apartment, officers saw the weapon, two digital scales and $1,070 in cash. He was charged with disorderly conduct.
Updated August 9, 2012 9:13 AM