A 46-year-old Centralia man faces seven criminal charges, including a Class X felony of armed violence, following a stop while riding his bicycle in Centralia on early Sunday morning.
Matthew White faces the charges because he allegedly had a handgun and possession of substance containing cocaine in his possession. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, as well as single counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a hypodermic needle. One of the aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon charge allegedly the handgun was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible.
Police say the bike was operating without a light and White had thrown a white plastic baggie before the state that field tested positive for .6 grams of cocaine. The loaded handgun was reportedly found in a sling-type bag along with a hypodermic needle.
A public defender was appointed to represent White. He is due back in court for a preliminary hearing and first appearance with counsel on July 7th at 11 a.m.
