SALISBURY — A Cleveland man was arrested Saturday night after police responded to complaints of drug activity near North Caldwell Street.
According to a Salisbury Police report, James Edward Watkins III, of Woodleaf Road, handed something to a friend when officers arrived and began walking away.
Police said they stopped him and found a Taurus 9 mm handgun and two bags of marijuana in Watkins’ pockets.
The 22-year-old was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a concealed weapon and simple possession of marijuana.
Authorities said they were called to the 400-block of North Caldwell Street about 8:30 p.m. after neighbors said about six people were drinking and smoking in the intersection.
Officers said they could smell marijuana when they approached, the report said.
After detaining Watkins, police said they found five smoked marijuana cigarettes in the ashtray of his vehicle.
The report said the seized bags contained about 3.5 grams of marijuana, or .12 ounces, and $36 was also collected by officers.
No one else was charged, the report said.
Watkins was convicted in 2010 of felony possession of marijuana and felony possession of a controlled substance.