Boston Police Conducts Traffic Stop Leading to Firearm Arrest

At about 10:12am, on Sunday, July 1, 2012, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) observed a traffic violation (speed greater than reasonable) in the area of Columbus Avenue and Dimock Street, Roxbury.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and observed four suspects inside the motor vehicle.  Officers observed an open alcoholic beverage in the center console.  Officers observed all the suspects were not wearing their seat belts as well.

Officers requested the operator’s (suspect #1) license and registration for the motor vehicle.  The suspect was operating a rented motor vehicle without a rental agreement available.  The suspect was not authorized to operate the rented motor vehicle.  The renter of the motor vehicle was not present.  Officers requested suspect #1 to remove the ignition key and provide officers with the open chilled alcoholic beverage.

During the course of the investigation, it was revealed the vehicle’s rental agreement had expired and the vehicle should have been returned on June 13, 2012.

Officers concerned there were more alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle, inquired if there were any more.  Suspect #1 stated there was not anymore alcoholic beverages and granted officers permission to search the inside of the motor vehicle. The four suspects excited the motor vehicle to allow officers to conduct a search.

During the interior search of the motor vehicle, officers located a small caliber firearm inside of the center console.  All four suspects denied having a valid license to carry a firearm.

Officers conducted a protective sweep of the vehicle and ballistic vest was discovered in the rear of the vehicle.

Suspect #1, Xavier Velasquez, 19, of South Boston, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Dangerous Weapon Unlawfully Carried (firearm) and Loaded Firearm Unlawfully Carried.  The suspect was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation for Speed Greater than Reasonable, Failure to Wear Safety Belt and Use of Motor Vehicle Without Authority.

Suspect #2, Biyis Pimentel, 23, of Jamaica Plain, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Dangerous Weapon Unlawfully Carried (firearm) and Loaded Firearm Unlawfully Carried.  The suspect was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation Open Container in Passenger Area, Alcohol and Failure to Wear Safety Belt.

Suspect #3 Steven Gonzalez, 22, of Boston, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Dangerous Weapon Unlawfully Carried (firearm) and Loaded Firearm Unlawfully Carried.  The suspect was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation Failure to Wear Safety Belt.

Suspect #4, Rosa Soto, 27, of Dorchester, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Dangerous Weapon Unlawfully Carried (firearm) and Loaded Firearm Unlawfully Carried.  The suspect was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation Failure to Wear Safety Belt.