Three men were arrested and eight handguns recovered on Sunday as a result of a routine traffic stop in Somerville. At about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 2, Officer Robert Hickey, who was on routine traffic enforcement duty, observed a 2004 BMW traveling on Medford Street at an excessive rate of speed.
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As the vehicle continued to increase its speed Officer Hickey activated his lights and siren, pulling the car over near Thurston Street. The operator, Sherwood Gustave, age 37, of Mattapan, was found to have a suspended license and was placed under arrest.
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Meanwhile, as back-up officers arrived, an empty pistol holster was observed on the rear seat of the vehicle.
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The two passengers, Anthony Paulino, age 18 of Somerville and Gunter Vital, age 47 of Cambridge, were removed from the vehicle.
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A search of the car led to the recovery of eight handguns, six of which were fully loaded. Two of those guns have been confirmed as stolen.
The description of the guns is as follows:
P22 | WALTHER |
9MM HIGH CAPACITY | SPRINGFIELD |
.45 HIGH CAPACITY | TAURUS |
9MM HIGH CAPACITY | SMITH & WESSON |
40 CAL HIGH CAPACITY | GLOCK 23 |
.357 MAGNUM | TAURUS |
.22 CAL | JENNINGS |
.38 CAL | RUGER |
Paulino and Vital were subsequently arrested. All were charged with unlawful possession of handguns and ammunition, among other charges. Gustave was also charged with speeding and operating with a suspended license.
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Chief Thomas Pasquarello had high praise for the officers who were involved. “Getting eight guns off our streets makes our community a little safer,” said Chief Pasquarello.
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All three men were arraigned in Somerville District Court on Tuesday morning.
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