New London — Police on Thursday arrested a local man on numerous weapon charges after they developed information that he was in possession of a handgun and may have been involved in a shooting a few days earlier.

Maurice Milligan, 34, of 500 Ocean Ave. was charged with criminal possession of body armor, criminal possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm with altered serial number, weapon in motor vehicle and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Police said a shooting was reported about 11:35 p.m. on Monday in the area of Ocean Avenue and Evergreen Street. Officers found several 9 mm shelling casings at the scene, according to an incident report.

A review of surveillance video from the Sam's convenience store showed Milligan and an unknown male exchanging some words before the reported shooting. Police said that Milligan was seen walking in the backyard of 54 Sherman St. with an object in his hands a few seconds after the shooting, the incident report said.

While on patrol Thursday, police spotted Milligan and his friend Travis Gee in a black Nissan. The patrol officer requested additional units since police said the pair may have been involved in the shooting.

The officer pulled over the vehicle in the area of the 7-Eleven on Broad Street when Milligan began to exit the vehicle. The officer instructed Milligan to get back inside the car. As the officer waited for backup, Milligan again attempted to get out of the car, police said. Moments later, backup arrived and the officers approached the vehicle.

Police informed both Milligan and Gee that they believed they were involved in Monday's shooting. Police asked Milligan if he was in possession of a gun, which he denied. When police asked Milligan to step out of the car, he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Police found a Glock 9 mm handgun underneath the front driver's seat.

Milligan told police that he did not know the gun was in the car and could not say why he was wearing a bulletproof vest.

Police said more charges may be pending.

Milligan has been convicted in recent years of possession of less than 4 ounces of marijuana, breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

He was held in lieu of a $500,000 bond pending his arraignment Friday in New London Superior Court.

i.larraneta@theday.com