LYNN — A routine traffic stop by a Massachusetts state trooper on Monday afternoon led to the arrest of three individuals, including one juvenile, after the discovery of weapons and alcohol in their vehicle.
Trooper Carlo Mastromattei, part of the Community Action Team for Troop A, was patrolling Western Avenue as part of an increased police presence due to recent gang-related violence.
He stopped a Jeep Grand Cherokee for lacking a front license plate and identified the driver as 21-year-old Edixon Mejia of Chelsea.
Upon inspecting the vehicle, Trooper Mastromattei found an open bottle of tequila at the feet of one of the underage rear passengers.
With backup from Troopers Tah Yem and Jeffrey Bermani, a search ensued, leading to the discovery of three spring-assisted knives and a loaded .22 caliber handgun with a defaced serial number in the possession of a 16-year-old juvenile.
Mejia, the juvenile, and another passenger, 18-year-old Walter Ramirez Estuban of Chelsea, were arrested and taken to the Revere Barracks.
Mejia and Estuban were later released on bail from the Revere Barracks and are required to appear at Lynn District Court.
The juvenile was held until his guardian arrived and appeared at Lynn Juvenile Court the following day.
Charges against Mejia include possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon, procuring alcohol for a person under 21, license plate violation, failure to inspect the vehicle, and possession of an open container of alcohol.
Estuban faces a charge of possession of liquor while under 21.
The juvenile is charged with carrying a firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number, possession of a large capacity feeding device, and possession of liquor while under 21.
