NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — A Providence man is facing charges after allegedly driving under the influence in New Bedford.

Officers responded to a call about an erratic driver who stopped on Norwell Street around 3 a.m. Sunday.

The driver, 27-year-old Eliexer Melero, showed signs of intoxication, according to police. A female was also in the passenger seat.

Melero refused repeated commands to show his license and get out of the car, police said, which led to a brief struggle.

Police then saw a “firearm near [Melero’s] feet on the floor beneath him.”

Melero was taken into custody and charged with drunk driving, failure to submit to police, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of a high-capacity firearm and ammunition while intoxicated and unlicensed.

Officers also determined he had a BAC of .16, which is twice the legal limit.

The gun, a Glock 17 pistol with no serial number, was taken and secured.

Melero also had a previous charge for firearm possession in Rhode Island.

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