NORTHAMPTON — A motor vehicle stop on King Street Monday evening resulted in a chaotic struggle between police and the driver, identified only as a 23-year-old Springfield man, who was arrested on charges including drug trafficking, weapons violations and assault and battery on a police officer, police reported.

The suspect’s passenger, a 53-year-old Springfield man, is charged with drug trafficking and possession.

Police reported that they stopped the vehicle around 7:40 p.m. after noting that its registration was revoked for insurance cancellation. Officers say they found a “significant amount of suspected heroin and cocaine” on initial investigation and placed the passenger under arrest.

The driver, however, failed to comply, police said, and resisted the attempts of several officers to place him in custody. A tow truck driver and more officers joined in to assist before the suspect could be subdued.

Police stated that a thorough search of the vehicle yielded a loaded firearm containing 13 rounds of ammunition, some 90 grams of suspected cocaine, at least 250 bags of suspected heroin, more than $2,700 in cash, two scales, eight cellphones, a rifle sight and ballistic body armor.

The driver was held on $50,000 bail and faces numerous charges, including trafficking in cocaine, 36-100 grams; possession of a large-capacity firearm without a license; use of body armor in the commission of a felony; and two counts of assault and battery on a police officer.

The passenger was ordered held on $25,000 bail.

Northampton police credited state police for assisting with the car stop and handling the scene, as well as covering calls for service within the city limits for over two hours.

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