CENTRALIA — Centralia police are conducting an internal investigation into a traffic stop early this week that resulted in the officer drawing his gun on a driver.

According to CPD, around 3:30 Tuesday morning, the officer stopped a vehicle in the area of Route 51 and Walnut Hill Road due to an alleged equipment violation.

The officer reports he approached the driver from the passenger side of the vehicle and observed a firearm inside. The officer says in his report that he reached for the firearm to secure it, but that the driver reached for the weapon at the same time.

At that point, the officer says he drew his weapon and retreated to the rear of the vehicle before subsequently, taking the driver into custody.

It was later determined the driver had a valid concealed carry license. The driver was issued a warning for the equipment violation and released from the scene.

Since Tuesday, however, CPD received a complaint from the driver regarding the conduct of the officer, the manner in which the stop was conducted and disputing the officer’s report of events. As a result of the concerns noted in the complaint, an internal inquiry was initiated and is currently ongoing.

Police officials say further details will be released following the conclusion of the investigation.

The Department also says it fully supports the rights of residents provided for by the 2nd Amendment and has publicly stated that support in the recent past.