Call to bar ends in firearm charges against New London man

New London - A city man faces multiple charges, including criminal possession of a firearm, after police were called to a Bank Street bar early Saturday.

Police said they responded to a call at 12:56 a.m. saying a man was in possession of a handgun at The Exchange Bar & Grill at 74 Bank St. After arriving at the scene, witnesses identified Robert McIntear Jr., of 32 Colman St., as the suspect and police made an attempt to escort McIntear out of the bar to speak with him.

An officer then felt the weapon in the suspect's waistband and a struggle followed, according to police. McIntear, a convicted felon, was taken into custody and found to have a loaded .357 magnum revolver and numerous bags of marijuana in his possession, police said.

He was charged with criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, carrying a revolver without a permit, possession of narcotics, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,500 feet of a school, interfering with an officer and breach of peace. He is being held in lieu of a $150,000 bond.