Massachusetts state police traffic stop yields nearly fully loaded, illegal 9mm pistol

TYNGSBOROUGH, MA – On Saturday, November 21, Trooper Jeffrey Bermani, assigned to State Police-Andover, was patrolling Route 3 northbound in Tyngsborough. At approximately 3:30 p.m. he observed a gray Honda Civic traveling 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit and subsequently stopped the vehicle north of Exit 34.

Upon the Honda coming to a full stop, Trooper Bermani approached the passenger side and observed a female passenger and male operator, identified as WESLEY MURPHY, 20, of Roslindale.

Trooper Bermani observed the occupants accessing the center console while blading their bodies obscuring the Trooper’s view. After several requests to roll down the window the passenger finally did, releasing an overwhelming odor of both burnt and unburnt marijuana. Trooper Bermani observed numerous signs of impairment on MURPHY and began questioning him, eventually removing him from the vehicle.

After additional investigation and questioning of both MURPHY and his passenger, Trooper Bermani located a 9mm FNH pistol loaded with 17 rounds in the magazine. Neither occupant had a license to carry firearms. Trooper Bermani also located evidence of recently burnt marijuana along with 2.5 ounces of fresh marijuana, a digital scale, and over $1,200 in cash. In addition to the firearm and narcotics Trooper Bermani located seven credit/debit cards with various names printed on them which were seized as part of a follow up investigation into possible credit fraud.

MURPHY was transported to State Police-Andover for booking. The vehicle’s passenger was released from the scene without charges. MURPHY was scheduled for arraignment at Lowell District Court on the following charges:

Mass
1. Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Drugs;
2. Possession of Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute;
3. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;
4. Carrying a Large Capacity Firearm;
5. Possession of Firearm without FID Card; and
6. Speeding.

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