Police say a loaded 9-millimeter handgun fell out of a car during a traffic stop in the Town of Union.

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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

Authorities say 30-year-old James Melious of Westover was pulled over by Broome County sheriff's deputies on Watson Boulevard around 12:30 a.m. Monday.

Investigators say the vehicle that was stopped had a suspended registration. As the driver stepped out of the car for questioning, the weapon fell to the ground. Deputies handcuffed Melious and secured the gun.

Deputies say Melious was found to be in possession of one-half ounce of methamphetamine with packaging materials.

Melious was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Melious also faces counts of aggravated unlicensed operation and operating a motor vehicle while its registration was suspended.

Melious was arraigned before a Dickinson town judge. He was sent to Broome County Jail without bail.

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