CHICOPEE — A routine traffic stop escalated into a significant arrest Friday after a vehicle nearly collided with an unmarked police cruiser at the intersection of Springfield St and Granby Rd.
Detectives, stopped at a red light, were forced to halt abruptly when a Mercedes SUV, operated by Austin Bouknight, veered over the double yellow center line while attempting a left turn onto Springfield St.
The detectives engaged their emergency lights, though Bouknight initially failed to stop the vehicle, which eventually halted in front of 220 Exchange St.
Approaching the SUV, detectives spotted a firearm on the floor between Bouknight’s feet, prompting a call for backup.
After securing Bouknight in handcuffs, they confirmed he lacked a valid carry license for the weapon, which was later identified as stolen from Missouri.
Further inspection revealed over 100 individual packets believed to be marijuana and several open alcohol bottles inside the vehicle.
Bouknight, 41, faces numerous charges, including marked lanes violation, OUI-liquor .08%, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, intent to distribute a Class D drug, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a firearm in a felony, receiving stolen property, and resisting arrest.
