PORTLAND, Maine — A man whom police wanted to arrest for a simple charge of unpaid fines is facing additional charges after officers found a knife on him.
Portland police Officer Danny Knight was on bicycle patrol in an area of downtown known as Post Office Park on July 11 when he found Brian Valente, 35, of Portland loitering outside a local business, according to Lt. Scott Pelletier.
Pelletier said it’s not uncommon for people to loiter in that area of the city.
“The downtown business association has deemed that as one of the places we need to keep an eye on,” he said. “Guys will sit in front of open businesses and make you walk around them.”
When Knight checked Valente’s identity, it was determined he had warrants for unpaid fines, Pelletier said. After Valente was taken into custody, a search turned up a large switchblade knife, the lieutenant said.
Valente was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and trafficking in dangerous knives, both Class D misdemeanors, in addition to the standing charges for unpaid fines, according to Pelletier. He was taken to the Cumberland County Jail and later released on bail.
A knife is not a weapon.
I still don’t get this “trafficking in dangerous knives”… I would think one would have to possess at least 2 of them to be charged with “trafficking”?
i dont understand why having a knife should be illegal anyways. people often forget that the 2nd amendmant says ARMS not firearms and arms means weapons in general for self defense. at least thats my take on it. i should be able to carry a pocket knife in my pocket without risking committing a crime. as the law states right now its illegal to carry any knife in your pocket unless for hunting or fishing which is very vague.