Massachusetts State Police issue criminal summons to one, arrest man with firearm, narcotics

At approximately 9:30 a.m. today Trooper Michael MacDonald and his Field Training Officer, Trooper John Mindek, assigned to State Police Sturbridge, were conducting stationary patrol on Route 84 eastbound in Sturbridge. While they were stationary they observed a gray Volkswagen with a large crack in the windshield. Trooper MacDonald then entered traffic and proceeded to catch up to the vehicle, noting it was being operated at 80 miles per hour where the posted speed limit is 65 mph. He then activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle.

Once the vehicle was stopped both Troopers approached it and identified the operator, then informed him why he was stopped. While they were speaking to the operator Trooper MacDonald detected a strong odor of freshly burnt Marijuana. He also observed signs of impairment on all three occupants inside of the vehicle. After subsequent investigation on scene it was determined the operator was under the influence of Marijuana and the vehicle was going to be towed. Additionally, it was discovered his driver’s license was suspended.

Prior to the vehicle getting towed the passengers were asked to exit. The front seat passenger, identified as RASHAAD ELIE, 24, of Malden, immediately began acting strangely and stood in a defensive position, worrying Troopers that he may be concealing a weapon. A pat-frisk of ELIE’s person was conducted and Troopers immediately located a firearm, loaded with a round in the chamber. ELIE did not possess a license to carry firearms. He was cooperative and was placed in custody without incident. Troopers also located numerous pills, believed to be Xanax, in a small fanny pack that was in ELIE’s possession.

ELIE was transported to State Police-Sturbridge where he was booked. The rear seat passenger was released from the scene without charges. A bail commissioner was contacted and placed a bail amount of $1000.00 on ELIE. He is expected to be arraigned at Dudley District Court on the following charges:

1. Carrying a Firearm;
2. Possession of a Firearm without FID Card;
3. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
4. Possession of a Firearm with Two Prior Violent/Drug Convictions;
5. Improper Storage of a Firearm;
6. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; and
7. Possession of a Class E Drug.

The operator was issued a criminal summons and allowed to leave the scene, he will be required to appear at Dudley District Court in the near future on the following charges:

1. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License;
2. Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Intoxicating Drugs;
3. Marker Lanes Violation;
4. Speeding; and
5. Equipment Violation (windshield).