A 43-year-old Washington Township man who police say was carrying a concealed weapon in his vehicle this past winter was formally charged Wednesday in Shelby Township.

John V. Nova II was arraigned in 41-A District Court in front of Magistrate James Verploeg and released on a $2,000 cash/surety bond. He faces up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine if convicted.

“I want to be clear: carrying a gun without a license is illegal and dangerous,” Police Chief Robert Shelide said in a news release. “Shelby Township is tough on crime and always ready to enforce the law — because the safety of our community comes first.”

According to Shelby Township police, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Envoy in the area of Van Dyke Avenue and 22 Mile Road on Feb. 22.

The officer asked Nova if there were any weapons in the vehicle, but he looked away and refused to answer the question. Further investigation revealed Nova and his passenger, Denisha Bost, both had warrants out for their arrest, according to the release.

Nova and Bost were instructed to step out of the vehicle so police could search it. Officer found a loaded 9mm handgun with one round in the chamber located inside the vehicle.

Bost was turned over to Macomb County on her warrant. Nova was arrested for CCW because he did not have a license to carry the concealed weapon. He requested a public defender to handle his case.

Nova is scheduled to return to court on April 29 for a probable cause conference followed by a preliminary exam on May 6.