On Thursday, September 21, a traffic violation spiraled into an alarming discovery of a loaded firearm. According to Springfield Police, officers were near the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Alden Street when they spotted a vehicle running a red light. 5:45 pm, just as most individuals would be wrapping up their workday, a routine traffic stop quickly escalated as police discovered the vehicle's driver, 25-year-old Steven Merced lacked a valid driver's license.
Springfield Police detailed that during a search of Merced's vehicle, officers uncovered a loaded firearm concealed inside a shoulder strap bag. The firearm's serial number was defaced, which raises questions on the intention behind such purposeful tampering and the possible criminal acts this firearm may have been involved in.
In response to these findings, Steven Merced is now facing multiple charges, including carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number during the commission of a felony, and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license as reported by Springfield Police.
