LEWISTON — Lewiston Police apprehended two men following a traffic stop on Bates St. early this morning, with one of them carrying an illegal firearm.
The incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m. when police initiated a stop on a vehicle.
As the car came to a halt, a male passenger fled on foot.
After a brief pursuit, officers captured the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Dominic Peterson of Brockton, Massachusetts, a block from the stop.
Peterson, who initially refused to reveal his identity, was found with a .45-caliber 1911-style handgun in his backpack.
The weapon had an obliterated serial number.
According to authorities, Peterson was recently charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and had his case submitted to the United States Attorney’s Office in Maine.
He is now facing additional charges, including refusal to submit to arrest or detention, criminal simulation, falsifying physical evidence, and a repeat offense of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
During the traffic stop, a second male, later identified as 25-year-old Mohamud Duale, attempted to escape from the scene.
Police quickly detained Duale, who is now being charged with failure to provide correct name and date of birth, refusal to submit to arrest or detention, and violation of conditions of release.
The Lewiston Police Department is continuing their investigation into the incident.
Further details have not been released at this time.
