New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
On Saturday September 26, Trooper Paul Hoyt, assigned to State Police-Millbury, was on patrol traveling on Quinsigamond Ave in Worcester. At approximately 11 a.m. he observed a Subaru Impreza, traveling North of Quinsigamond Ave, that he discovered was uninsured and had a revoked registration. Trooper Hoyt activated his blue lights and subsequently stopped the Subaru prior to the intersection of Southbridge Street.
Upon the vehicle stopping, Trooper Hoyt approached the driver’s side window and identified the operator as CHRISTIAN MARTINEZ, 25, of Worcester. After informing MARTINEZ why he was stopped, Trooper Hoyt removed him from the vehicle in order to conduct an inventory prior to it being towed. While on scene, Trooper Hoyt was made aware that MARTINEZ had multiple past court convictions for firearms violations. As Trooper Hoyt was about to begin the tow inventory, MARTINEZ lunged toward the Subaru and grabbed a backpack from within it.
Trooper Hoyt immediately attempted to gain control of the backpack and ordered MARTINEZ remove his hands from it. As Trooper Hoyt was gaining control of the backpack he could feel a hard metal object, consistent with the shape of a firearm, through the canvas material.
Trooper Hoyt opened the backpack and located a loaded Taurus .380 pistol, along with over two ounces of marijuana, two pocket knives, and three cell phones. MARTINEZ does not possess a license to carry firearms and was immediately placed under arrest.
MARTINEZ was transported to State Police-Millbury for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $3,000. MARTINEZ was able to post bail and was released. He is expected to be arraigned at Worcester District Court for the following offenses:
1. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked Registration;
2. Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle;
3. License Not in Possession;
4. Carrying a Firearm, Subsequent Offense;
5. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
6. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card, Subsequent Offense;
7. Armed Career Criminal;
8. Possession of a Class D Substance with Intent to Distribute.
