Two Accused of Trying to Swap Loaded Handgun for Heroin

Two Connecticut residents are facing misdemeanor and felony charges after they tried to trade an illegal—and loaded—handgun for about $500 worth of heroin, according to officials.

Cops arrested John McCarthy, 26, of Sherman, CT and Timothy McLean, 19, of Ridgefield, CT, Wednesday on felony charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and misdemeanor charges of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.

Earlier this week, authorities said in a statement, members of the Westchester County Police Patrol Task Force learned that a Connecticut man was looking to trade a .32-caliber handgun for 50 envelopes of heroin. That amount carries a street value of about $500, officials said.

"Officers arranged to swap the drugs for the handgun at a parking area on Route 172 near Interstate 684 in the town of Bedford," police said. "The two men arrived at the scene about 9:45 a.m. and were taken into custody after being found in possession of a loaded .32-caliber Beretta and two envelopes of heroin."

Police also charged McCarthy with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation, and McLean with possession of a hypodermic instrument, a misdemeanor.

The defendants were arraigned and sent to Westchester County Jail on bail: $25,000 for McLean and $10,000 for McCarthy.

Editor's note: An arrest does not indicate a conviction.