By Jim Clark 

While conducting routine narcotic interdiction surveillance within the Assembly Square Mall area last week, members of the Somerville Police Department Drug Control Unit became suspicious of a man who parked his car in a secluded spot and allegedly began engaging in activities which led he investigators to believe that the man was engaging in illegal drug use, according to reports.

The investigators reported that the man appeared to be preparing a controlled substance for personal use and that he was hunching over the center console of the car, and that he also periodically peered about in what was perceived as a cautious measure, and displaying concern regarding the arrival of a motor vehicle into the area where the defendant was located, police said.

As an investigator approached the defendant’s motor vehicle on foot he placed a police badge on the exterior of his clothing. In response to the officer’s approach the suspect reportedly placed the motor vehicle in gear and attempted to depart from the parking lot, according to police.

A motor vehicle stop was reportedly effectuated and a police badge again was prominently displayed. Investigating officers say they observed in plain view an uncapped needle and syringe, and a clear plastic bag containing a brown powder substance believed to be Heroin positioned on the front center console of the motor vehicle. Also observed in plain view scattered about the inside of the car were numerous empty clear plastic baggies consistent with packaging of illegal narcotics, police said.

As a result of this observation the man was reportedly requested to exit his motor vehicle. When questioned regarding the presence of any additional drugs stored on his person or inside his motor vehicle the man reportedly responded in the affirmative and indicated that he possessed additional contraband inside of his pants pocket. A search of the man’s left pants pocket an additional clear plastic bag containing a brown powder substance believed to be Heroin, according to reports.

A search of the man’s vehicle yielded a firearm for which the suspect had no license.

Ian Burns, 20, of Billerica, was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license and possession of a class A drug.