GLOUCESTER — An Essex man carrying a Glock 17 large-capacity handgun with 28 rounds of ammunition and over $1,700 in cash has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including firearm possession and larceny, after allegedly stealing an E-bike from outside a McDonald’s in Gloucester, Chief Edward Conley announced in a statement.
According to Chief Conley, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at around 7:50 p.m., Officer Julio Mercado responded to the McDonald’s located at 46 Maplewood Avenue following a report of a stolen e-bike. Officer Mercado spoke with the owner of the bike, and during a subsequent investigation, obtained a description of the suspect. A short time later, Officer Kevin Mackey located an individual matching the description near Willow and Cleveland streets.
Chief Conley reported that officers discovered a black handgun in the waistband of the suspect, later identified as Gerard Francis, after establishing probable cause to conduct a pat frisk.
According to police, Gerard E. Francis Jr., 36, is a resident of Essex.
Francis then attempted to flee but was apprehended by police a short distance away. A subsequent search of his person led to the discovery of a large-capacity Glock 17 handgun, 28 rounds of ammunition, over $1,700 in cash, drug paraphernalia, and a small amount of cocaine. The stolen e-bike was found nearby and returned to its owner.
Francis was arrested and charged with the following:
- Possession of a Firearm without an FID
- Possession of Ammunition without an FID
- Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
- Larceny over $1,200
- Possession of a Class B Substance (Subsequent Offense)
- Resisting Arrest
Francis was arraigned in Gloucester District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 25, and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1.
“This case, which began as a seemingly basic investigation, exemplifies the high standard of policing we strive for and highlights the value of sound procedural knowledge and attention to detail,” Chief Conley said in a statement. “This arrest removed a dangerous individual and a firearm from our community, underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant and methodical in our approach to policing.”
