Cortland Traffic Stop Leads To Meth, Gun Seizure

A Pennsylvania man has been accused of having methamphetamine and a loaded gun in a vehicle which was pulled over by police in the city of Cortland.

Authorities say 37-year-old Kristan Cowen of Meadville has been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance. He also faces a count of criminal possession of a weapon.

According to the Cortland County Sheriff's Department, an officer stopped Cowen early Tuesday morning on Port Watson Street because the vehicle he was driving had insufficient headlights.

The officer detected a strong chemical odor coming from inside the vehicle. A search turned up three-quarters of an ounce of methamphetamine along with items used to make meth. Police also found a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

Cowen was arraigned in Cortlandville town court. He was sent to Cortland County Jail on $15,000 bail.