The New Bedford Police Department has launched an internal investigation into how a man who was arrested last week came into possession of an officer’s firearm.

Officers were called to Tarklin Hill Road and Lawrence Street to check on the driver of a vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the roadway, according to a police report obtained by 12 News.

The first officer to arrive discovered a man slumped over behind the wheel of the vehicle, which was still running and in drive, the police report continued.

The driver, identified in the police report as 27-year-old Igor Lima, woke up after the officer knocked on his car window numerous times.

See more at wpri.com.