Massachusetts State Troopers arrest wanted man with stolen firearm, Fentanyl

Shortly before 1 a.m. on Saturday Trooper John Hagerty, assigned to State Police-Middleboro, was stationary observing traffic at a gas station on Pleasant Street in Brockton. At that time he observed a red Mitsubishi SUV being operated on the roadway with no headlights or taillights active. Trooper Hagerty entered traffic and stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Troy Street.

Upon the Mitsubishi coming to a full stop Trooper Hagerty approached it and identified the operator as MIGUEL SANTIAGO, 33, of Whitman. Trooper Hagerty informed SANTIAGO why he was stopped then returned to his cruiser with SANTIAGO’s information in order to conduct an electronic RMV inquiry. The results of the inquiry revealed STANTIAGO’s driver’s license was suspended. It also revealed SANTIAGO had an active warrant for his arrest issued by Brockton District Court. Trooper Jared Hebert then arrived on scene to assist.

Trooper Hagerty removed SANTIAGO from his vehicle and placed him under arrest. A tow truck was requested to respond to the scene at which point Troopers conducted an inventory of the vehicle’s contents. They quickly observed over $4000 in cash along with multiple cell phones and other items they suspected could have been used in the sale or transport of illegal narcotics. Both Troopers then noticed multiple areas within the interior of the vehicle that appeared to have been modified and tampered with. After a closer inspection of these areas Troopers located a large amount of pills suspected to contain fentanyl.

The pills had a combined weight of 112 grams. They also located a loaded Glock 9mm firearm with a large capacity magazine capable of holding 26 rounds of ammunition. An electronic inquiry of the firearm’s serial number revealed it was reported stolen in Rhode Island approximately five years ago. SANTIAGO does not possess a license to carry firearms.

SANTIAGO was transported to the Middleboro Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted who set bail at $2,600. SANTIAGO was able to post bail and was later released. He was scheduled to appear at Brockton District Court for charges stemming from his arrest warrant along with arraignment on the following offenses:

01. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;
02. Possession of a Firearm without FID Card;
03. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;
04. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
05. Improper Storage of a Firearm;
06. Receiving Stolen Property -$1200;
07. Trafficking in Fentanyl;
08. Possession of a Firearm while in Commission of a Felony;
09. Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License; and
10. Motor Vehicle Equipment Violation.