New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Just before 6 p.m. on Friday Troopers Gary Orellana and Brandon Cali, assigned to State Police-Tunnels, responded to a call of a disabled motor vehicle on Route 93 Northbound prior to the O’Neill Tunnel in Boston. As Trooper Orellana arrived on scene he was approached by two men who seemed to attempt to rush the trooper along. He became suspicious when the two men persisted in their attempt to get him to leave them alone on the highway.
While on scene Trooper Orellana discovered the man who had been operating the vehicle, identified as LUCIO MARTINEZ, 22, of Somerville, had a warrant for his arrest out of Somerville District Court. The Trooper also determined that the man had open cases for Attempted Murder and firearms violations. Trooper Cali arrived moments later to assist.
The troopers placed MARTINEZ under arrest for the warrant and removed the passenger, MARIO MESTANZA-MORAN, 23, of Revere, in order to tow the vehicle. A pat frisk of MESTANZA-MORAN revealed a knife in his front pocket. Troopers also discovered a large, solid item inside his pants. The item was identified as a bag containing approximately 110 grams of cocaine. MESTANZA-MORAN was placed under arrest as well.
During an inventory of the vehicle a loaded 9mm Glock pistol, with an extended magazine capable of holding 15 rounds of ammunition, was discovered. Troopers also located $700 in cash and four cellphones, which are items consistent with the illegal distribution of narcotics. The two men were transported to the Tunnels Barracks where they were booked. A bail commissioner was contacted and placed a bail amount of $50,040 on MESTANZA-MORAN. MARTINEZ was ordered to be held for court. They are expected to be arraigned tomorrow morning at Boston Municipal Court on the following charges.
