Officers in Roxbury Conduct Traffic Stop Leading to Firearm Arrest

At about 10:26pm, on Thursday, July 19, 2012, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) observed a traffic violation (failure to stop for red light and speed greater than reasonable) at the intersection of Humboldt Avenue and Waumbeck Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Humboldt Avenue and Martin L. King Boulevard.

Officer approached the vehicle on the driver’s side and on the passenger’s side. Officers observed there were two individuals inside the vehicle.  Officers observed the passenger was moving around in the vehicle.

Officers requested the license and registration of the operator of the motor vehicle.  Officers could immediately smell an odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Officers informed the operator that he was stopped for failing to stop for the red light. Officer inquired if the operator had been drinking and he replied, “We were drinking earlier at my cousin’s house.” Officer observed an open bottle Sutter Home of wine on the floor in front of the front seat passenger.

Based on the officers’ observations and officer safety, officers gave an exit order to the operator and the passenger. Officers inquired if the operator had any weapons on him and he replied, “Yeah I have a knife.” Officers inquired if there were any other weapons on him or in the vehicle and the operator state, “No, I don’t have anything else.”

As the passenger exited the vehicle, officers observed his right arm close to the right side of his body and covering his front right leg. Officer inquired if the passenger had any weapons on him and he shook his head from side to side. Believing the passenger may be armed with weapon; officers began to pat frisk the outer clothing paying close attention to his right side.  Officers quickly recognized what appeared to be a firearm inside his pocket.

Officers immediately secured the passenger placing him into handcuffs without incident. Officers asked if the passenger had a license to carry a firearm, he shook his head and stated, “No.”

The operator was issued a Massachusetts Uniform Citation for Failure to Stop for a Red Light, Speeding Greater than Reasonable and Possession of an Open Container.

The male passenger, Damon Isle, 22, of Brockton, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition and Tampering with Identifying Numbers of a Firearm.