Jerry Martin Cottongin, 26, of 5 Alton Road, Stamford, was charged with possession of a pistol without a permit and weapons in a motor vehicle, police said.
Capt. Richard Conklin said the department's Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit received a tip about the possible sale a few days ago and swung into action. Shortly after Cottongin left his second floor apartment at 8:15 p.m., he was arrested while driving his 2015 black Jeep Patriot, police said. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered the loaded handgun, police said.
"It was a very good job by NOC, who did real well in mining intelligence and acting on that intell," Conklin said. Officers were still trying to determine who the buyer was and how the gun, which was reported stolen in Birmingham, Ala., made its way to Stamford, he said.
Bond was set at $20,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 12.
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