New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Just before 11 p.m. on Sunday Trooper Nathan Robitaille, assigned to State Police-Middleboro, was on patrol traveling on Dean Street in Taunton. As he was passing through the intersection of Honorable Gordon M. Owen Riverway he observed a blue Infinity sedan operating erratically at a high rate of speed. Trooper Robitaille caught up to the vehicle and activated his cruiser’s blue lights and siren, signaling it to pull over.
Upon the vehicle coming to a full stop Trooper Robitaille made contact with the operator, identified as MANNDELL CURRY, 20, of Dorchester. Trooper Robitaille quickly detected the odor of marijuana and observed paraphernalia loosely sitting in the vehicle. CURRY informed the Trooper that he had a large amount of marijuana in the vehicle and gestured to a backpack. When Trooper Robitaille looked toward the backpack he observed a firearm magazine sitting in a front open pocket. CURRY does not possess a license to carry firearms. Trooper Robitaille instructed CURRY to exit the vehicle and continued to investigate.
After a search of the vehicle Trooper Robitaille located a Smith & Wesson pistol along with approximately two ounces of marijuana, a scale, numerous empty plastic baggies, and more than $3,200 in cash. Additionally, it was discovered on scene that the Smith & Wesson’s serial number had been tampered with. Once Trooper Robitaille was able to conduct an electronic inquiry on the serial number he discovered it was stolen from Alabama.
CURRY was placed under arrest and transported to the Middleboro Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted at set bail at $3,000. He was scheduled to be arraigned at Taunton District Court on the following offenses:
1. Possession of a Firearm without FID Card;
2. Improper Storage of a Firearm;
3. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;
4. Receiving Stolen Property -$1200;
5. Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute;
6. Marked Lanes Violation; and
7. Fail to Signal.
