Following a routine traffic stop in Dorchester, police arrested 28-year-old Shawn Watt of Hyde Park on multiple firearm charges. The stop occurred yesterday at approximately 8:12 PM, according to an official report from the Boston Police Department. Officers from the Youth Violence Strike Force noticed the vehicle's expired registration sticker, which led them to pull over the car near Columbia Road and Washington Street.
Upon discovering the non-renewed registration, police informed Watt that his vehicle would be towed and that he would need to exit the car. During their search, officers discovered a Walther PK380 with a round in the chamber and six more in the magazine. The firearm also featured a laser sight attachment.
The charges leveled against Watt are serious: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Subsequent Offense, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Subsequent Offense, Operating a Motor Vehicle with an Expired Registration, and Inspection sticker violation.
Watt is expected to be arraigned at the Dorchester District Court. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces with illegal firearm possession. The Boston Police Department has not released any further information about the traffic stop.
