By: Laura Soukkavong
Jamica Plain – A 20-year-old was arrested after officers recovered a loaded firearm during a traffic stop.
At 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 28, the Youth Violence Strike Force assigned officers were conducting a directed patrol when they observed a vehicle operating without a valid inspection sticker and with a non-functioning left headlight. A motor vehicle stop in the Lamartine Street area was conducted.
The vehicle was operated by Widvenson Dorcent, 20, of Jamaica Plain, and a male passenger. The driver was advised of the reason for the stop and requested to provide his license and vehicle registration.
Police stated the driver was unable to produce the requested documents and appeared to be nervous. Dorcent removed his foot from the brake at one point while his vehicle was still in drive. He was advised by officers to check the glove compartment for the registration. The driver initially claimed he did not have a key to access it.
The driver briefly inserted a key into the glove compartment before removing it after speaking with the passenger in another language. At officers’ direction, he again unlocked the glove compartment. When it was partially opened, officers observed what appeared to be a firearm inside.
Both occupants were removed from the vehicle and detained. A search of the glove compartment resulted in the recovery of a Heckler & Koch USP firearm. The weapon was loaded with a round in the chamber and nine rounds in the magazine.
Detectives from the Youth Violence Strike Force responded to assume custody of the firearm and continue the investigation.
After further investigation, Dorcent was placed under arrest. He is expected to be arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on the following charges: Carrying a Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, and Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card.
The driver was issued a Massachusetts Uniform Citation for operating a vehicle with defective equipment and for failing to display a valid inspection sticker.
Dorcent is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.