SPRINGFIELD — A routine traffic stop led to the arrest of a man found with a loaded firearm and cocaine Wednesday evening, according to the Springfield Police Department.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., officers from the Springfield Police C3 Unit, led by Sgt.
Elizer Vasquez, and officers from Squad “B” conducted a stop of an unregistered vehicle making an improper turn on East Columbus Avenue.
The driver, identified as 41-year-old Jason Patterson, proceeded to collide with another vehicle before coming to a stop at the intersection of Union Street and East Columbus Avenue.
Patterson, whose license was suspended, was placed under arrest after informing officers about a gun in his car.
Police retrieved the firearm from the driver’s side floor and discovered cocaine within the center console, alongside over $1500 in cash.
With a history of firearm and drug convictions in both U.S.
Federal and Hampden Superior Courts, Patterson faces multiple charges, including carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug.
Additional charges include operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and having an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.
