CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston man was arrested early today and charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Charleston Police Sgt. Eric Hodges said officers were conducting a foot patrol in the Hunt Avenue area of the city's West Side at about 3:45 a.m. when they spotted a suspicious subject in an alley. Hodges said Monyea R. Gravely, 20, began walking toward officers.

Hodges said Gravely's speech was slurred, and officers saw what looked like the butt of a gun above his right pants pocket.

Officers searched Gravely and found a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun, Hodges said. The weapon had been reported stolen on July 30.

Hodges said Gravely was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, obstructing an officer and transferring and receiving stolen property. He was awaiting arraignment this morning in Kanawha Magistrate Court.

Hodges said Gravely is a convicted felon and prevented from carrying a gun. His case has been forwarded to the U.S. Attorney's office for possible federal prosecution.