By Brandi Makuski

A 27-year-old man was arrested following a high-risk traffic stop at Patch St. and Michigan Ave. on Nov. 20.

Sharome D. Wren, of Stevens Point, first caught officers’ attention when he stopped his vehicle in the middle of the intersection, blocking traffic, at 4:09 AM. According to the police report, a responding officer saw a gun, later identified as a 9mm Luger C9 handgun, on Wren’s lap as he approached the driver’s side door.

The officer drew his weapon and called for backup. When fellow officers arrived, Wren was secured without incident and it was determined the gun was not loaded.

Wren told police he’d just purchased the car and found the handgun under the seat. According to the report, Wren placed the gun on his lap so he could “get rid of it quickly if need be.”

Police also noted Wren was wearing several layers of clothing, and during a search of his person, .5 grams of cocaine dropped out from between the layers.

According to the officers’ report, Wren told police he was an “avid” cocaine user.

It was not immediately known why Wren was parked in the intersection, or if Wren was intoxicated at the time of the arrest.

Wren faces charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, as well as his second offence of possession of cocaine.

Wren is scheduled to appear before Judge Robert Shannon at 1:30 PM on Dec. 5.