Utica police arrest 2 men on weapons, drug charges after traffic stop

UTICA — Utica police arrested two men on weapons and drug charges following a traffic stop on July 28 at approximately 10:45 p.m.

Officers with the Crime Prevention Unit conducted the vehicle stop on the 100 block of Eagle Street for vehicle and traffic law violations.

Police noticed inconsistencies in answers provided by the vehicle’s occupants and requested the driver and passenger exit for further interview.

As the parties exited the vehicle, officers observed what appeared to be corner knot baggies of suspected narcotics on the floor board.

Upon inspection, the contraband was confirmed to be narcotics and both occupants were placed in handcuffs.

During a search of the driver following his arrest, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun in the front of his waistband.

The weapon was secured and both men were transported to the Utica Police Department.

Frank Fandino, 53, of Utica, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for previous conviction and high capacity magazine, criminal possession of a firearm, and vehicle and traffic law violations.

Clay Kahler, 60, of Utica, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.