NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The New Bedford Police Department has launched an internal investigation into how a man who was arrested last week came into possession of an officer's firearm.

Officers were called to Tarklin Hill Road and Lawrence Street to check on the driver of a vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the roadway, according to a police report obtained by 12 News.

The first officer to arrive discovered a man slumped over behind the wheel of the vehicle, which was still running and in drive, the police report continued.

The driver, identified in the police report as 27-year-old Igor Lima, woke up after the officer knocked on his car window numerous times.

Lima eventually rolled down his window, which allowed for the officer to reach inside and turn the car off, accordin

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