CLINTON — Two Massachusetts men were arrested Saturday night after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal firearms and a stash of various license plates.
Detective Christopher Cornelius and Sergeant Joseph Lefebvre, conducting uniformed patrol, pulled over a vehicle on Washington St. near Brook Street at approximately 11:00 p.m. The officers observed the vehicle’s two occupants making suspicious movements, prompting concern for officer safety.
The driver, identified as 23-year-old Wexler A. Lopez from Fitchburg, and the passenger, 24-year-old Christian J. Sylvain from Clinton, were ordered to exit the vehicle.
A subsequent search revealed a bullet in Lopez’s pocket and several vehicle-related violations, including a suspended driver’s license, lack of insurance, and improper registration.
Sergeant Lefebvre’s inventory search of the vehicle uncovered another bullet, two loaded handguns – a Walther 40 caliber and a Glock 10mm – and a box of 10mm ammunition.
Thirteen different license plates from multiple states were also found inside the vehicle.
Neither Lopez nor Sylvain had licenses to carry or possess firearms or ammunition in the state.
Both face numerous charges, including carrying firearms without a license and possessing ammunition without proper identification.
The investigation into the firearms and license plates is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
