Yesterday, a routine traffic stop by Boston Police District B-3 officers in Mattapan resulted in the arrest of two men and the seizure of illegal weapons. The department reported that the stop took place around 2:16 a.m. near 37 Harvard Street after officers observed a vehicle with a broken headlight.
The situation intensified when officers noticed the passenger wearing a ski mask and ballistic vest. A check of the driver’s credentials revealed he was operating the vehicle with a suspended license and had an active arrest warrant. Both men were taken into custody, and a search of the vehicle uncovered a Glock 43X loaded with 9mm rounds and a stun gun inside a bag.
Authorities identified the passenger as 35-year-old Justin Frederick Williams of Dorchester. He faces multiple charges, including firearm violations and unlawful possession of body armor during the commission of a felony. The driver, 42-year-old Darnell Buffong of Mattapan, was also arrested and faces charges for driving with a suspended license and other motor vehicle offenses connected to an active warrant.
Officials stated that both Williams and Buffong are scheduled for arraignment at Dorchester District Court. Williams’ charges mark his third offense for carrying a firearm without a license and include an armed career criminal designation due to prior violent or drug convictions. Buffong faces charges for driving with a suspended license, as well as for operating an uninsured and unregistered vehicle. The Boston Police Department said its prompt response and thorough search helped prevent potential harm from the weapons recovered.
