An Arnold man who is not allowed to possess a firearm because of his criminal history was found to have a loaded handgun when police pulled him over for running a stop sign, according to court paperwork.
Arnold police charged Nathan Nateef Harper, 32, Wednesday with two felony gun offenses and a count of driving under the influence in connection with an Oct. 30 incident.
Harper waived a preliminary hearing on the charges Thursday before New Kensington District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. He was sent to the Westmoreland County jail on $50,000 bond.
In a criminal complaint against Harper, police said an officer in the area of 18th Street and Fifth Avenue saw a vehicle spinning its tires as it pulled out of the parking lot of Bellone’s Glass in the 1800 block of Fifth Avenue. It proceeded at high speed and ran the stop sign at Fifth Avenue and 18th Street, the complaint said.
Police said the driver, who they identified as Harper, and an unidentified person in the vehicle were seen moving throughout the cab of the vehicle, reaching into the back seat and to the floorboard area.
When police ordered Harper to get out of the vehicle, the complaint said, his right hand remained tucked under the seat before he got out.
Police said Harper had poor balance and swayed as he stood in place. He had bloodshot and glossy or watery eyes and smelled of alcohol, while an odor of marijuana was coming from his vehicle, according to the complaint.
Police said Harper admitted to having two drinks at a bar, but no more than that because he was working as a DJ. Police said an open and nearly empty bottle of Crown Royal was seen inside the vehicle.
Harper was arrested after failing a series of sobriety tests, the complaint said.
Police said they found a loaded .380-caliber Colt semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle.
Harper’s defense attorney, Paul Zavarella, declined to comment Thursday.
Harper’s formal arraignment on the charges is scheduled for May 10.
