Stolen Handgun, Cocaine Seized from Stratford Home

Police Tuesday arrested a 27-year-old man on narcotics and firearms charges following an investigation into alleged drug activity in Stratford.

Mark Atwater is charged with, among other alleged offenses, possession of crack cocaine with intent to sell after police said they pulled him over on Main Street near McPadden Drive.

"During the investigation Atwater provided investigators with a voluntary statement in which he admitted to having a firearm at his residence as well as crack cocaine," Stratford police Lt. Frank Eannotti said in a statement.

"Based on the information investigators obtained a search warrant and executed same at the residence of 103 Justice St.," Eannotti said. "The resulting search led to the recovery of one stolen 9mm handgun, ammunition and approximately 3.1 grams of crack cocaine. The firearm was reported stolen from Raleigh, North Carolina."

In addition to the possession with intent to sell charge, Atwater is accussed of: sale and possession of narcotics within 1500 feet of a housing project; criminal possession of a firearm; possession of a stolen firearm; failure to properly secure a firearm; risk of injury to a minor.

Atwater was held in lieu of $150,000 bond and is due in court March 5.