UTICA — A Yorkville man was charged with weapons possession after a loaded handgun was found during a traffic stop in Utica Friday night, according to the Utica Police Department.

Police said a vehicle was pulled over for vehicle and traffic violations in the 1400 block of Whitesboro Street around 10:40 p.m. Friday. While speaking to the female driver and male passenger, police said they spotted the butt of a handgun sticking out from beneath the seat.

The officers began to remove the driver and passenger from the vehicle. Police said it was then that the passenger — 23-year-old Toddreek Weathers, of Yorkville — took off on foot, leading officers on a brief foot chase before he was taken into custody.

Weathers is charged with second-degree possession of a weapon, a felony, criminal possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and obstruction of a governmental administration, police stated. He is scheduled to appear in Utica City Court.

The driver was issued several vehicle and traffic violations police added.