During a recent motor vehicle stop in Dorchester, Boston Police, in partnership with various law enforcement agencies, recovered a firearm and arrested the driver, Eric Barnes Jr. As reported by the Boston Police Department, the incident took place yesterday, around 5:35 p.m., when officers noticed a car failing to yield to a pedestrian and child at a marked crosswalk located at Washington and Norwell Streets.
The officers' check revealed that the driver, Barnes, did not have a valid license. After stopping the car at 3 Bowdoin Avenue, authorities confirmed that neither Barnes nor his passenger had appropriate licensing to drive the vehicle. Upon searching the car, a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun, loaded with ammunition, was found hidden inside a sock in a gym bag in the trunk. What ensued was an attempt by Barnes to escape as the police discovered the weapon, though he was quickly apprehended without incident.
Barnes, a 20-year-old resident of Hyde Park, now faces serious charges, according to the Boston Police Department. These charges include carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and possession of a large capacity feeding device. He was also cited for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The arraignment for Barnes will take place at the Dorchester District Court. The collaboration between Boston Housing Police, Massachusetts State Police, and Transit Police in this case showcases a concentrated approach to tackling such issues affecting local communities.
