Massachusetts State Police traffic stop results in 2 Arrests on large capacity gun charges

Saturday, May 8, just before 11:00 a.m. Trooper Jeremy Burns, assigned to the Massachusetts State Police-Northampton Barracks was on patrol on Route 91 in Northampton. While traveling northbound, Trooper Burns’ attention was drawn to a white Acura hatchback with dark tinted windows, and a tinted registration plate cover that made the vehicle’s plate unreadable. It was then that Trooper Burns activated his blue lights and initiated a motor vehicle stop.

Trooper Burns then made contact with the operator, JOEL RODRIGUEZ, 22; and the passenger, GEORGE BLACK, 24 both of Springfield. Trooper Burns observed that neither occupant of the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt. It was confirmed the vehicle’s window tint was darker than the 35% limit in the state of Massachusetts.

Trooper Burns then returned to his cruiser to run the information provided by the two occupants. It was discovered that the vehicle did not have a valid inspection sticker, RODRIGUEZ’s license to operate a motor vehicle had been suspended for 6 months, and BLACK did not possess a license. Trooper Burns removed RODRIGUEZ from the vehicle and allowed him to use his phone in an attempt to contact a properly licensed operator to take control of the vehicle. RODRIGUEZ was unable to do so and a tow for the vehicle was called.

Trooper Burns then removed BLACK from the passenger seat and began an inventory of the vehicle’s contents prior to the tow. As Burns noted the contents of the vehicle, in the rear seat he discovered brass knuckles, a Glock magazine with 9 live rounds of hollow point ammunition, a large quantity of marijuana, and a grey electronic scale.

Neither RODRIGUEZ nor BLACK possess a license to carry a firearm, or Firearms Identification Card. At this time, Trooper Burns radioed for backup from Trooper Jose Cabrera. Trooper Burns then placed RODRIGUEZ and BLACK in handcuffs and placed the men in the rear of the two cruisers on scene.

The two Troopers initiated a search of the vehicle and discovered, under the driver’s seat, a Glock .357 SIG handgun with a round in the chamber. Inside the magazine well was a 22 round extended magazine. RODRIGUEZ and BLACK were then placed under arrest and transported back to the Northampton Barracks for booking.

RODRIGUEZ was scheduled to appear in Northampton District Court on the following charges:

1. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
2. Carrying A Firearm;
3. Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card;
4. Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Brass Knuckles);
5. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
6. Improper Storage of a Firearm;
7. Possession to Distribute Marijuana (Subsequent Offense);
8. Number Plate Violation;
9. Operation of a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License (Subsequent Offense);
10. No Inspection Sticker;
11. Window Tint Under 35% Transmission; and
12. Fail to Wear Seatbelt.

BLACK was scheduled to appear in Northampton District Court on the following charges:

1. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
2. Carrying A Firearm;
3. Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card;
4. Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Brass Knuckles);
5. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
6. Improper Storage of a Firearm;
7. Possession to Distribute Marijuana; and
8. Failure to Wear Seatbelt.