New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
At approximately 330 a.m. yesterday Trooper Samuel Watson, assigned to State Police-Holden, was patrolling Route 290 eastbound in Auburn. As he approached Exit 9 he observed a black Chevrolet sedan being operated over the lane markings partially in the right and middle travel lanes. Trooper Watson activated his emergency lights and initiated a motor vehicle stop.
Upon the Chevrolet coming to a full stop Trooper Watson approached it and identified the operator as GEORGE RICHARDS, 51, of Riverside, R.I. After gathering RICHARDS’ information Trooper Watson began to return to his cruiser to conduct an electronic inquiry. While walking past the rear door of the sedan Trooper Watson noticed what appeared to be a firearm on the passenger floor area. He confronted RICHARDS about the find and requested his license to carry firearms, which RICHARDS does not possess. He was subsequently removed from the vehicle then detained while Trooper Watson conducted an investigation on scene. Additional cruisers then arrived to assist.
After confirming RICHARDS did not possess a license to carry firearms Trooper Watson discovered RICHARDS had two active warrants for his arrest in Massachusetts. RICHARDS was then informed he was under arrest and placed in the rear of a cruiser. A tow truck was requested to respond at which point Troopers began to inventory the vehicle’s contents prior to it being removed. They located a total of four firearms, 177 rounds of ammunition, approximately $120,000 in cash, and two magazines able to hold 13 rounds of ammunition.
RICHARDS was transported to the Holden Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and ordered him to be held without bail. He was later transported to Worcester District Court where he was arraigned on the following charges:
1. Illegal Possession of a Firearm (four counts);
2. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device (two counts);
3. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; and
4. Marked Lanes Violation.
RICHARDS will also be brought before a judge at Uxbridge District Court on two active warrants.
