By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Authorities say a local man faces child abuse and weapons charges after an officer found his 2-year-old son wandering on South Main Street alone Tuesday night.

Salisbury police charged Christopher Ryan Gibson, 27, of 3106 Raymond Ave., with misdemeanor resisting, obstructing or delaying an officer; misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon; and misdemeanor child abuse.

An officer working extra duty saw the child at 3023 S. Main St., which is a half mile from the Raymond Avenue home. Police say the child walked from the home to South Main Street.

The officer, who was in plain clothes, called a uniformed officer to the scene. While waiting for the uniformed officer, police said, the child’s father arrived.

The plain-clothes officer followed Gibson to his home. The other officer spoke with Gibson, who was then arrested. Police officials said Gibson did not comply with the officer’s orders, including asking for identification, while they were trying to place him in handcuffs.

He was cuffed and searched. Officers found a Springfield XD-40 gun in his back pants pocket.

Gibson was issued a $1,000 secured bond and has since been released from the Rowan County Detention Center.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.