2 Bridgeport Men Arrested Following Traffic Stop In Westport: PD

WESTPORT, CT — Police said two Bridgeport men were arrested Sunday after officers located marijuana and a firearm during a traffic stop in Westport. According to a news release, an officer observed the vehicle traveling on Elm Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. with no registration plate displayed.

Police said the vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Violet Lane and found to be bearing an expired Rhode Island temporary registration, later determined to be fraudulent.

The driver was identified as Kirk Brodie, 28, of Bridgeport, who claimed ownership of the vehicle, and the passenger was identified as Mark Elliot, 25, of Bridgeport. According to police, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle while speaking with the suspects.

"The officer observed Elliot was attentive to his phone during the stop and was receiving multiple text messages," Lieutenant Jillian Cabana said in a release. "The officer was able to observe one of the text messages, which appeared to be related to and consistent with narcotics sales."

Officers had both men exit the vehicle. Police said a scale was subsequently found in Elliot’s pants pocket and Brodie was found to be in possession of a large amount of cash.

"During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located 0.11 ounces of marijuana in the glove compartment and a loaded 9mm handgun in the trunk," Cabana said. "The handgun contained a high capacity magazine. Due to Brodie’s criminal history, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition."

Police said both suspects were arrested and transported to headquarters.

"At headquarters, officers discovered Elliot had secreted an additional 0.87 ounces of marijuana in his underwear," Cabana said.

Police said Brodie was charged with conspiracy to commit (sale of controlled substance), sale, delivery, or transfer of pistols or revolvers, weapons in vehicles, carrying pistol or revolver without permit, criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, criminal possession of firearm/ammunition/electronic defense weapon and possession of high capacity magazine. He was additionally issued an infraction for failure to display registration plate and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, police said.

Police said Elliott was charged with sale of controlled substance, conspiracy to commit (sale of controlled substance) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

To sign up for Bridgeport breaking news alerts and more, click here.

Photo credit: Shutterstock