SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield Police arrested two people this week in separate incidents where firearms were found during traffic stops.
On Wednesday around 5:10 p.m., officers observed a vehicle on Hancock Street with no insurance or registration. Police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, which had to eventually be towed. During an inventory search, officers located a loaded firearm, marijuana and suboxone.
Police arrested 28-year-old Rodney McCants of Springfield and charged him with:
- Carrying a Firearm without a License
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
- Unregistered Motor Vehicle
- Uninsured Motor Vehicle
- Possession of a Class B Drug
- Possession of a Class D Drug
On Thursday around 5:45 p.m., police observed a vehicle run a red light at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Alden Street. During a traffic stop, it was discovered the driver, 25-year-old Steven Merced of Springfield, did not have driver’s license. Merced was arrested and a search of his vehicle resulted in police finding a loaded firearm with a defaced serial number in a shoulder strap bag.
Merced has been charged with:
- Carrying a Firearm without a License
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
- Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number during the Commission of a Felony
- Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License
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