Suspect Charged with Multiple Armed Robberies Arrested After Stealing Amazon Van in Dorchester

 

At about 1:28 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, members of the Special Investigations Unit and Detectives assigned to District C-11 (Dorchester) with assistance from officers assigned to District C-11 and District B-3 (Mattapan) made an onsite arrest of Edwin Powell, 46-years-old, of Dorchester. While conducting an investigation, they noticed Powell, who was wanted for a series of armed robberies in the Dorchester area since early September. Officers observed the suspect in the area of Dorchester Avenue and Welles Avenue in Dorchester at approximately 1:28 PM. While in the area, officers’ attention was drawn to an unknown male running down the middle of Dorchester Avenue towards St. Mark’s Road. The male entered a gray mini van and fled the area. Additional units arrived on scene and spoke to a victim who stated his van had been stolen with his cell phone inside. Detectives tracked the phone to the area of Callender Street and Floyd Street where the located the van occupied by the suspect, Edwin Powell. The male was taken into custody. Officers also recovered numerous Amazon packages inside of the common hallway of the suspect’s residence.

Powell is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and Larceny Over $1200. Additionally, Powell is charged with nine counts of Armed Robbery while Masked for prior incidents dating back to September 1, 2020.

Three Arrested Including Two Juveniles for Breaking into Motor Vehicles in Jamaica Plain

 

At about 9:48 PM on November 10, 2020, officers assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for a breaking and entering of a motor vehicle report in the area of 235 Hyde Park Avenue in Jamaica Plain. While enroute to the scene, officers received information via BPD Operations that three individuals were breaking into two motor vehicles at the repair shop. Officers were provided a description of the three males. While traveling on Hyde Park Avenue, officers observed three males matching the description of the suspects walking towards Northbourne Road. The three males were stopped and subsequently identified and taken into custody.

Officers spoke to the witnesses who stated they had heard multiple car alarms going off from inside of the lot at the repair shop. The witnesses stated they observed the three males exiting one of the vehicles and then attempting to gain access into a second vehicle.

Officers arrested Kervens Datus, 18-years-old, of Roslindale, a 15-year-old male of Jamaica Plain, and a 15-year-old male of Roxbury. All three suspects are expected to be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on charges of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle Nighttime and Trespassing. 

Veteran's Day 2020: We Say "Thank You" to All of Our Veterans! We Acknowledge the Service and Sacrifice of All of Our Veterans Presently Protecting and Serving the City of Boston

THANK YOU: On this Veterans Day, November 11, 2020, the men and women of the Boston Police Department would like to honor and thank all who have served and sacrificed while protecting the United States of America. Today, we recognize those who have protected and safeguarded the liberties and freedoms that define our Country. For their selfless service and unwavering dedication to the USA, we say thank you to all of our Veterans.

Firearm Recovered and One Suspect Under Arrested after Traffic Stop that Left One BPD Officer Injured

At about 7:10 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force, while on a firearm investigation in the area of Berkeley Street and Gray Street in the South End, attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a motor vehicle being operated by the suspect known to them.

As the suspect came to a stop, officers exited their cruiser and approached the motor vehicle on foot. Upon seeing officers’ approach, the suspect immediately drove around the police cruisers, accelerated in an attempt to flee and struck an officer with the motor vehicle causing a non-life-threatening injury to the officers’ arm. As the vehicle fled a black handgun was thrown from the vehicle and safely recovered by officers.

The passenger of the motor vehicle, later identified as Tarik Wright, 23, of Roxbury, was located several minutes later in the area of Brimmer Street, Downtown. The driver and the vehicle could not be located. The officers will seek charges in Boston Municipal Court against the suspect for multiple offenses.

Tarik Wright was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

Officers Arrests Four Suspects and Recover Three Loaded Firearms after a Traffic Stop in Roxbury

At about 12:41 AM on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury), made an onsite firearm arrest of four individuals in the area of Walnut Avenue and Harrishof Street in Roxbury.

While on patrol, officers observed a motor vehicle traveling at a very low rate of speed, fail to stop at a stop sign located at Walnut Street and Crawford Street.

Officers activated their blue lights and sirens to conduct the traffic stop, exited their cruiser and approach the motor vehicle. Two of the occupants began moving around acting nervous and breathing heavy. After retrieving the names and IDs of the occupants of the vehicle, officers returned to their cruiser to conduct a CJIS inquiry. Upon returning to the motor vehicle, officers asked all four occupants to step out of the vehicle to perform a pat frisk.

Officers observed the glove box to be open and immediately saw a firearm sticking out. All four suspects were placed into handcuffs for officer and public safety.

The firearm was found to be a Taurus .38 Special loaded with five .38 rounds. Officers also located a box of Lawman 9mm Luger ammunition containing thirteen live rounds.

Officers located two additional firearms in the motor vehicle. The first firearm was a loaded .40 Caliber with one round in the chamber and fourteen rounds in the magazine. The second firearm was a loaded Glock 19 with one round in the chamber and fourteen rounds in the magazine.

Anthony Arias, 23, of Dracut was charged with: Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License (3 Counts), Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (2 counts) and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Keyon Roberson, 19, of Rockland was charged with: Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License (3 Counts), Carrying a Firearm without a License (3 counts), Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (2 counts) and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Freily Cabral, 23, of Dorchester was charged with: Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License (2nd Offense), (3 Counts), Carrying a Firearm without a License (2nd Offense), (3 counts), Possession of Large Capacity Feeding Device (2 counts), Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Armed Career Criminal Level 2.

Derron Crawford, 19, of Brockton is charged with: Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License (2nd Offense), (3 Counts), Carrying a Firearm without a License (2nd Offense), (3 counts), Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device (2 counts) and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

All four suspects are expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court

BPD Safe Exchange Zones for E-Commerce Transactions at All District Stations Across the City

SAFE EXCHANGE ZONES: As the number of residents buying and selling goods online continues to increase and grow, so too do the potential risks associated with these types of transactions which can sometimes involve meeting a stranger in unfamiliar surroundings. In an effort to keep these arranged dealings as safe as possible, the BPD has introduced designated “Safe Exchange Zones” at every Boston Police District Station across the city, as well as, BPD Headquarters. These areas are monitored via security video and available 24 hours a day. 

Please see the complete list of addresses below to find the Safe Exchange Zone nearest you:

• BPD Headquarters, 1 Schroeder Plaza, Boston, 02120

• District A-1, 40 New Sudbury Street, Downtown, 02114

• District A-7, 69 Paris Street, East Boston, 02128

• District A-15, 20 Vine Street, Charlestown, 02129

• District B-2, 2400 Washington Street, Roxbury, 02119

• District B-3, 1165 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, 02124

• District C-6, 101 W Broadway, South Boston, 02127

• District C-11, 40 Gibson Street, Dorchester, 02122

• District D-4, 650 Harrison Avenue, South End, 02116

• District D-14, 301 Washington Street, Brighton, 02135

• District E-5, 1708 Centre Street, West Roxbury, 02132

• District E-13, 3347 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, 02130

• District E-18, 1249 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park, 02136

The Boston Police Department Remembers the Service and Sacrifice of Sergeant Frederick Schlehuber Killed in the Line of Duty 110 Years Ago Today

BPD Remembers: The men and women of the Boston Police Department remember the service and sacrifice of Sergeant Frederick Schlehuber who was killed in the line of duty 110 years ago today. In the early morning hours on Thursday, November 10, 1910, Sergeant Frederick Schlehuber, the first superior office to be killed in the line of duty was shot and killed at the District Attorney’s Office at Ashburton Place and Somerset Street. While waiting to present the case to the District Attorney involving the suspect who was accused of sexual assault on a minor, the suspect opened fire, mortally wounding Sergeant Schlehuber who died on his way to the hospital. The suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and in 1919, he was transferred to Bridgewater State Mental Hospital.

Sergeant Schlehuber had served with the Boston Police Department for nineteen years and six months and he was survived by his wife and their child.

Sergeant Schlehuber is buried at Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain. His name is located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial, panel 12, east line 6, as well as the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial in Downtown Boston.

A Hero Sign has been placed in Sergeant Schlehuber’s honor in the area of Ashburton Place and Somerset Street, Downtown.  

Investigation Update: BPD Release Second Image in Effort to ID Suspect Wanted in Connection to a Sexual Assault in The Public Garden

Investigation Update: The BPD is releasing a second image of the person wanted in connection to a sexual assault which occurred on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at about 2:03 AM in the area of The Public Garden located at 2 Charles Street in Boston.

Detectives have learned that the suspect encountered the victim in the area of Bromfield Street, where he forcefully brought her through the Boston Common into the Public Garden where he sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as an unknown male.

The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives directly at (617) 343-4400.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously. If you are a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency, the Boston Police Department encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal, and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area. To learn more, please click on the enclosed link: www.barcc.org

BPD Public Safety Advisory: Tips for Ensuring the Safety of Delivery Drivers in Boston

BPD Public Safety Advisory: As the citizens of Boston continue to follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many are becoming increasingly reliant on take-out food from local restaurants and eateries, resulting in more delivery drivers on our roads and in our neighborhoods. As a public safety reminder, the Boston Police Department is advising all delivery drivers to exercise caution while fulfilling these orders. The following tips can help reduce the chances of becoming a robbery victim:

• Drivers should limit the amount of cash on hand

• Credit cards should be used for all delivery sales whenever possible

• For business owners taking the order, advise the caller/customer that for the health and safety of the driver, to meet the driver outside of their building or dwelling

• Always ask for a customer call back number and verify the number prior to delivery

• Prior to delivery, instruct the driver to utilize the call back number to confirm the delivery and be sure to meet outside, in a well-lit location

Crime Statistics: January 1 - November 8, 2019 vs. 2020

Shooting Data 11-8-2020

Firearm Arrests 11-8-2020

Part 1 Crime 11-8-2020

14-Year-Old Male Arrested on Gun Charges in the area of South Bay Mall

At about 6:03 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2020, officers assigned to District C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for a person with a gun in the area of 11A Allstate Road (South Bay Mall) in Dorchester.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated the suspect, later identified as a 14-year-old male juvenile, pulled a gun on him and pointed it at his head. Responding officers located the suspect behind the mall and observed the him immediately discard a black backpack to the ground. Officers frisked the backpack and recovered a loaded Heckler and Koch BB Gun .177 Caliber.

The 14-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with Delinquent to wit, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon. He is expected to be arraigned in South Boston District Court.

Investigation Update: Victim Identified in Homicide Investigation in area of 11 Creighton Street in Jamaica Plain

Update: At about 11:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2020, officers assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 11 Creighton Street in Jamaica Plain. On arrival, officers located three individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Two males were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The third victim, also an adult male, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has since been identified as Shawn Rae Hewson, 28 years old, from Boston.

The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and is asking anyone with information relative to this investigation to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470. 

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.

To those who find themselves in need of emotional support or simply needing to talk to someone about distressing events in our community, the Boston Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) provides free, private support 24/7 at (617) 431-0125 or by visiting BPHC.org/trauma.

Citizens Keeping Boston Safe: If you See Something, Say Something!

Incident #1

At about 11:59 AM, on Sunday, November 8, 2020, officers assigned to District C-6 (South Boston), responded to a radio call for a possible firearm submerged in the water in the area of 775 Summer Street in South Boston.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with concerned callers who stated while standing on the fishing pier they noticed what appeared to be a firearm in a section of deep clear water. The BPD Harbor Unit responded and safely retrieved the Martin Cowboy BB Gun from the bottom of the ocean floor.

The BPD thanks these callers for saying something when they saw something.

Community members are reminded that they can report incidents anonymously by contacting our CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner. 

Incident #2

At about 3:22 PM on Sunday, November 8, 2020, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for a found firearm in the area of Lyford Street in Dorchester.

Upon arrival, officers met with the caller who found the discarded firearm in his backyard. The firearm was loaded with nine rounds and was safely removed by officers.

The BPD thanks the caller for saying something when he saw something.

Community members are reminded that they can report incidents anonymously by contacting our CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner. 

Boston 72 Weekend Update and Public Journal for Monday, November 9, 2020

Data includes 72–Hour-Period Beginning Friday @ 10AM through Monday @ 10AM

Homicides: 1
Nonfatal Shootings: 12
Nonfatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 4
Commercial Robberies: 2
Bank Robberies: 0
Other Robberies: 0

Vehicle Thefts: 8
Vehicle Recoveries: 3
Vehicle Breaks: 26

Residential Break-ins: 5
Commercial Break-ins: 2

Click here for the Public Journal

NOTE: The information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events.

Officers Arrest Three and Recover Loaded Firearm Following Traffic Stop on Morton Street in Mattapan

About 12:51am on Monday, November 9, 2020, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) made an on-site firearm arrest following a traffic stop at 1087 Morton St, Mattapan.

Officers were traveling on Morton Street when they observed a motor vehicle drive past them, towards Gallivan Boulevard, at a high rate of speed. The officers made a U-turn, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Morton Street and Gallivan Boulevard. The operator of the vehicle initially slowed down, but then immediately accelerated refusing to stop. The vehicle turned onto Pine Ridge Road and then came back out onto Morton Street. The vehicle ultimately came to a stop at 1087 Morton Street.  

As the officers exited their cruiser, three males exited the motor vehicle and began to flee on foot. The officers gave verbal commands for the males to stop, resulting in two of the males dropping to the ground in front of 1087 Morton Street. The third male, continued to flee on Morton Street towards Druid Street, then back onto Morton Street where he was detained. This individual was FIO’d and later released.

A fourth male, later identified as Devon Ashton, 24, of Worcester, exited the motor vehicle and fled up Morton Street towards Pine Ridge Road, where he was taken into custody. Ashton was placed under arrest by virtue of an active warrant issued out of Worcester County, charging him with Larceny over $250.

Upon further investigation, officers located a black firearm under the passenger seat of the motor vehicle. The firearm, a Taurus G2A was loaded with (1) round in the chamber and (12) rounds in the magazine.

Officers placed the operator of the motor vehicle, Anthony Lagrant, 21, of Chelsea, under arrest and charged him with Failure to Stop for Police, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License and Speeding. MA Uniform Citation was also issued.

The front passenger of the vehicle, Taje Vozzella 21, of Lynn, was arrested and charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, and Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm

All three suspects to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

Two Under Arrest and Loaded Firearm Recovered Following a Traffic Stop in South End

About 9:33pm on Sunday, November 8, 2020, officers assigned to District D-4 (South End) made an on-site firearm arrest in the area of 685 Tremont Street, Boston.

While on patrol, an officer observed a motor vehicle with excessive tint operating on Aguadilla Street toward Tremont Street. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, signaling the operator to pull over. The operator ignored these signals, and continued down Tremont Street, taking a right turn and then a left turn into the rear alley of 685 Tremont Street, where the vehicle came to a stop.

As the officer exited his cruiser and approached the motor vehicle, a male exited the rear left passenger seat and ran down the alley towards Rutland Street, where he took a left causing the officer to lose sight of him. The officer broadcast a description of the male for responding units.

Responding officers observed an individual, matching the description of the fleeing male, walking on W Springfield Street away from the officers. As the officers stopped to speak with the male in front of 154 W Springfield Street, they observed that he was breathing heavily and visibly sweating. Officers retraced the possible flight path of the male, from the rear of 685 Tremont Street to 154 W Springfield Street, and recovered a firearm in the rear of 748 Tremont Street.

The firearm, a silver and black Kahr PM9, was loaded with (1) round in the chamber and (7) rounds in the magazine. A query on the firearm revealed that it was reported stolen. 

The male, Jhonniel Guevara Osorio, 19, from Boston, was placed under arrest and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, and Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm).

The operator for the motor vehicle, Isaac Almendarez, 24, from Boston, was arrested and charged with Failure to Obey a Police Officer, he was also issued a MA Uniform Citation for Excessive Tint.

A third occupant of the motor vehicle was released from the scene.

Both Osorio and Almendarez are expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.

BPD Seeks Public’s Help in Effort to ID Suspect Wanted in Connection to a Sexual Assault in The Public Garden

BPD Community Alert: The BPD is releasing an image of a person wanted in connection to a sexual assault which occurred earlier today, Sunday, November 8, 2020, at about 2:03 AM in the area of 2 Charles Street, Boston (The Public Garden).

Detectives have learned that the suspect encountered the victim in the area of Bromfield Street, where he forcefully brought her through the Boston Common into the Public Garden where he sexually assaulted her. Suspect is described as an unknown male.

The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives directly at (617) 343-4400.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously. If you are a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency, the Boston Police Department encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal, and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area. To learn more, please click on the enclosed link: www.barcc.org

Officers Arrest Suspect During Traffic Stop and Recover Loaded Firearm in the area of Seaver Street and Maple Street in Roxbury

One Less Gun: At about 2:28 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2020, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) made an onsite arrest and recovered a loaded firearm in the area of Maple Street and Seaver Street in Roxbury. While on patrol in the Seaver Street area, officers observed a motor vehicle with excessive tints, at the intersection of Maple Street and Seaver Street. The vehicle was positioned past the stop line of the red light, inching toward the intersection. Officers activated their emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection. Before approaching the vehicle, officers observed the operator bend over, reaching across the center console and into the passenger seat area before quickly returning back to the driver’s seat. Officers approached the vehicle and were immediately met with confrontation from the operator. The operator, who was holding a lit marijuana cigarette, refused to provide his driver’s license, stating that officers had no reason to pull him over. Officers provided the operator with the reason for the stop multiple times before they were able to obtain a license from both the operator and the female passenger. A query of the operator’s license led to the discovery that it had been suspended. The operator and the passenger removed from the vehicle. Inside of the glove compartment, officers recovered a black and silver Smith & Wesson MP Shield 9mm firearm fitted with a laser sight and loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition. The operator was taken into custody. The passenger was identified and released from the scene.

Officers arrested Nicholas Brown, 30-years-old, of Cambridge. Brown is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded Firearm Second Offense, Carrying a Firearm without a License, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Subsequent Offense, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License. 

Death Investigation in the area of 11 Creighton Street in Jamaica Plain

At about 11:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2020, officers assigned to District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) responded to a radio call for shots fired in the area of 11 Creighton Street in Jamaica Plain. On arrival, officers located three individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Two males were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The third victim, also an adult male, was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

During transport to the hospital, officers located a firearm inside of one of the individual’s boots. Officers secured the firearm and placed the individual under arrest. Officers arrested Kelvin Pimentel 28-years-old, of Jamaica Plain. Pimentel, who suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, Carrying a Firearm without a License, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and is asking anyone with information relative to this investigation to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives at (617) 343-4470. 

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.

Traffic Stop Leads to Two Under Arrest, Firearm, Drugs, and Cash Recovered in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road in Dorchester

One Less Gun: At about 11:35 PM on Friday, November 6, 2020, officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) made two onsite arrests and recovered a loaded firearm in the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road in Dorchester.

While on patrol in the area of Harold Street and Seaver Street, officers observed a motor vehicle operating with excessive tints. Officers followed the vehicle to the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Columbia Road where they initiated a traffic stop. Officers approached the vehicle and spoke with the operator and the front passenger, both appeared to be exceptionally anxious. Both occupants were identified and subsequently removed from the vehicle. Officers observed the side panel next to the floor of the passenger’s seat to be protruding outwards in an abnormal fashion. Inside of the panel, officers recovered multiple plastic bags and an undisclosed amount of US Currency. Within the gear shift, officers recovered a tan Sig Sauer P320 9mm firearm loaded with eighteen rounds of live ammunition and fitted with a laser sight. Additionally, officers recovered an undisclosed amount of US Currency accompanied by a plastic bag containing a substance believed to be fentanyl and two smaller plastic bags containing a substance believed to be crack cocaine. Both the operator and the passenger were taken into custody.

Officers arrested the operator, Rafael Rivera, 21-years-old, of Jamaica Plain and the passenger, Rahmses Castillo, 24-years-old of Dorchester. Both are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Trafficking Class A Drugs, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B Drugs. Rivera faces an additional charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Subsequent Offense.