What started as a Wednesday morning well‑being check quickly turned into a serious takedown in Springfield, after officers say they found a stolen car with three people asleep inside, a loaded handgun and two large rocks of crack‑cocaine. Two men, ages 20 and 19, and a juvenile were detained in the 800 block of Beacon Circle, according to police. The two adults now face a stack of firearm and drug charges, while the juvenile’s name is being withheld because of his age.
Stop at Beacon Circle Turned Up Gun and Drugs
According to a news release from the Springfield Police Department, officers were sent out just after 7 a.m. for a well‑being check on a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The three occupants were asleep when police arrived. Investigators say the 17‑year‑old driver tried to pull away but was stopped, and the front‑seat passenger, later identified as 19‑year‑old Quadrevian Roman, bolted from the car before being caught after a short foot chase.
When officers searched Roman’s fanny pack, they reported finding two large rocks of suspected crack‑cocaine and more than $1,300 in cash.
Arrests and Charges
The back‑seat passenger, identified as 20‑year‑old Atavion Stewart, also tried to flee but was detained, police said. Officers reported recovering a loaded firearm from Stewart that contained 13 rounds and was capable of holding 15.
Stewart is charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a large‑capacity firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a high‑capacity magazine and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Roman is charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a Class B drug.
"Due to his age, the juvenile’s name and specific charges will not be released," the release added, according to the Springfield Police Department.
How This Fits a Larger Pattern
The Beacon Circle bust is the latest in a series of Springfield operations where officers have pulled illegal guns and narcotics out of traffic stops and targeted checks, highlighting an ongoing push to get weapons off city streets. Local coverage has noted several similar takedowns in recent weeks, including a May stop that also yielded a loaded handgun and suspected narcotics.
What Happens Next
The arrests are now moving through the local court system, and police say the investigation is still active. Detectives are reviewing the case and warn that additional charges could be filed. Anyone with information is urged to contact Springfield police through their non‑emergency line.
Legal Notes
Massachusetts law criminalizes carrying a firearm without a license and tightly limits large‑capacity feeding devices, with potential penalties that can include jail time, depending on the charge and the circumstances. Statute details are available at Mass.gov.
