A Lansford man was arrested after he ran from borough police while possessing a loaded handgun.

Lansford police said on Dec. 22, at approximately 8:50 a.m., Officers Joshua Tom and Chris Ondrus were patrolling East Bertsch Street, when they observed two males, one was identified as Malcolm Harris, no address released.

Harris has been observed in the past going into known drug houses in the community, officers report, adding that they have received information that he is a drug dealer.

As officers approached the two men, Harris appeared to get nervous. He had a duffel bag in his possession, and officers observed him throw a pack of cigarettes to the ground.

Officers then asked for identification from Harris. He placed his hand in his pocket and began moving it around as if multiple items were in his pocket. He then provided identification.

Officer Ondrus suspected Harris to have a weapon in his possession so Officer Tom was instructed to pat the suspect down, which revealed a handgun.

At that time, Harris pulled away and began to run toward Patterson Street, while attempting to conceal his hand under his jacket.

Officers pursued the suspect and after catching Harris, were unable to find the weapon on him. They took Harris into custody and began to search the area without success.

After conducting an interview, Harris admitted that he had a gun and showed officers where he had hid it. The loaded .22 caliber, semi-automatic pistol was located under an outside compressor next to Marco's Pizza. Its serial number had been filed off.

Harris provided a written confession, advising that he possessed a pistol and ran from the police.

Police learned following Harris's arrest that he is a convicted felon and did not have a license to carry a firearm.