Boston, MA – Two men face multiple firearm and drug charges after Boston police recovered two loaded guns and suspected ecstasy during a Tuesday night traffic stop in Roxbury, authorities said.
Officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) arrested Thomas Searcy, 29, of Boston, and Charles Phillips, 38, of Jamaica Plain, following the stop around 9:26 p.m. near Eldon Street and Washington Street, according to the Boston Police Department.
Traffic stop leads to weapons discovery
Police said officers first observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign and noted excessively tinted windows before initiating a stop in front of 28 Hewins Street.
As officers approached, both occupants initially refused to lower the windows fully, partially complying only after repeated requests. Investigators said the front-seat passenger, later identified as Phillips, was not wearing a seatbelt and initially provided false identifying information.
During the interaction, officers observed the passenger repeatedly moving a bag between his feet and noticed a pocket knife clipped to his clothing, prompting further investigation.
Guns, pills recovered from vehicle
Police ordered both men out of the vehicle, at which point Phillips attempted to walk away and was detained to prevent him from leaving the scene. Searcy exited after multiple commands.
A pat frisk and vehicle search led to the recovery of two firearms and suspected narcotics. Detectives secured a Taurus G2C handgun with one round in the chamber and a 12-round capacity magazine holding ten rounds, along with a Smith & Wesson SD40VE containing one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in its magazine.
Officers also recovered a pill bottle containing two plastic bags of colored pills believed to be ecstasy.
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Key Points
• Two men arrested after Roxbury traffic stop reveals two loaded firearms
• Police say suspect gave false identity and attempted to walk away
• Suspected ecstasy recovered along with weapons inside vehicle
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Charges and prior warrants
Searcy faces multiple charges, including two counts each of carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and possession of a large capacity firearm.
Phillips faces more extensive charges, including second-offense firearm violations, possession of a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and possession of a Class B substance.
Police said Phillips is also charged with a firearm violation following two prior violent or drug-related convictions.
In addition, authorities confirmed Phillips had two outstanding warrants from Malden District Court and Quincy District Court for assault and battery offenses at the time of the arrest.
Ongoing court proceedings
Both men are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court. Boston police have not released further details about the origin of the firearms or whether either weapon had been reported stolen.
Current status: Searcy and Phillips remain in custody pending arraignment in Dorchester District Court on multiple firearm, drug, and warrant-related charges.
