Police: Switchblade, Pot, Found During Traffic Stop

A Harrison man police say was caught with a switchblade in the center console of his vehicle faces misdemeanor charges after police discovered the weapon during a traffic stop.

A passenger in the same vehicle also faces a misdemeanor charge after police say they found 26 grams of marijuana in his jacket pocket.

Eric Bessels, 22, of New Haven Street, and three passengers were pulled over for speeding near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Crystal Street at about 10:24 p.m. on April 10. After smelling marijuana, police removed the four men from the vehicle.

At that time, police say they discovered Patrick Joseph, one of the passengers, was carrying the 26 grams of marijuana. Joseph, 22, of Tompkins Ave., Mamaroneck, was charged with criminal possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor.

Bessels also admitted to having two grams of marijuana hidden in the vehicle's center console, police say. He was cited for unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Both men were arrested at the scene.

While searching the vehicle police say they discovered the switchblade hidden in the vehicle's center console. According to arrest reports, Bessels later admitted the blade belonged to him and he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth-degree, a misdemeanor.

Bessels and Joseph were each processed and released on $100 cash bail. Bessels is due in Harrison court on April 17, Joseph is due on April 24.

The other two men in the vehicle were not charged.