Massachusetts State Troopers arrest two for illegal possession of a firearm

On Saturday January 11, troopers assigned to the State Police Troop D Community Action Team were on patrol in Brockton. Just after 5:30 p.m. they observed a white GMC Terrain with heavily tinted windows traveling on Warren Avenue at a speed estimated to be much higher than the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour. The troopers caught up to the vehicle and initiated a motor vehicle stop.

After stopping the GMC troopers approached both the driver and passenger sides to speak with the occupants, who were noticeably nervous. The operator, later identified as ANTONIO VEIGA, 32, of Brockton, informed the troopers that the GMC was a rental vehicle in someone else’s name to which he did not have a contract. The passenger, later identified as MANUEL DUARTE, 24, of Brockton, was not wearing a seatbelt and was moving around strangely. In fear that there may have been weapons on the men, or in the vehicle, troopers removed the front two occupants.

Upon removing the front seat passengers, troopers immediately located a loaded .45 caliber Hi Point pistol in the glove box. The remaining passengers were ordered to show their hands and removed one at a time. None of the vehicle’s occupants possessed a license to carry firearms. VEIGA and DUARTE were placed under arrest and seated in the rear of a cruiser. The rear seat passengers were interviewed and permitted to leave the scene. Troopers also discovered DUARTE had an active felony warrant for his arrest for Armed Robbery, Intimidating a Witness, and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. VEIGA has prior convictions for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping, along with several related offenses.

Both men were transported to SP-Middleboro where they were booked. A bail commissioner was contacted and set a bail amount of $35,000 for DUARTE and $10,000 for VEIGA. They were set to be arraigned at Brockton District Court today on the following offenses.

ANTONIO VEIGA:
• Carrying a Loaded Firearm;
• Possession of a Firearm; and
• Firearm Violation with Prior Violent/Drug Crimes.

MANUEL DUARTE:
• Carrying a Loaded Firearm; and
• Possession of a Firearm.