VERO BEACH — A convicted felon riding his bicycle in Vero Beach was caught with a concealed firearm after authorities stopped him for not having proper lights.
Charles Krerowicz, 46, of 985 36th Avenue, Vero Beach, was riding his bicycle without the proper lights when he was stopped in the 2300 block of Ponce De Leon Circle in Vero Beach late Thursday night.
Authorities observed the black handle of a firearm protruding from his pants pocket, according to the arrest report. It was later discovered the gun was loaded.
The defendant told police he was on his way to the hospital to visit a friend, and was carrying the weapon for protection because of the area he was riding through.
Krerowicz acknowledged he does not have a concealed weapons license and said he was a convicted felon not legally allowed to be in possession of a firearm, the report shows.
He faces three felony charges that include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and carrying a concealed firearm. He also received a traffic citation.
Krerowicz was arrested and transported to the Indian River County Jail without incident.
He is being held in lieu of $7,500 bond.