MIDDLEBOROUGH – A Wareham man was charged with illegally possessing a firearm after he was placed in protective custody, Police Chief Joseph Perkins said.

Andrew Labbe, 20, of Wareham was charged with possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number; felony possession of a firearm with an FID card; and felony unlawful possession of a firearm.

At about 10:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, Middleboro Police responded to a home on Southwick Street for a report of an intoxicated male who refused to leave the premises, police said.

Upon arrival, police found the man, later identified as Labbe, standing on the lawn showing signs of intoxication, police said. 

Out of an abundance of caution and for his safety and the safety of others, police said, officers placed Labbe into protective custody. Labbe was brought to the station for booking.

During the booking process, officers found an unloaded .40 caliber Glock 23 handgun with its serial number defaced inside his fanny pack, police said. Officers also found a magazine capable of holding 13 rounds, police said.

According to police, a preliminary investigation determined that Labbe was unlawfully carrying the firearm. He was placed under arrest and the firearm was seized into evidence.

Labbe later posted bail at the station and was released pending arraignment, police said.