Brockton sees first arrest Sunday morning related to COVID-19 curfew

BROCKTON — Massachusetts State Police sent to assist Brockton Police in enforcing a mandatory COVID-19 curfew, arrested a man overnight who possessed a firearm, ammunition and large capacity feeding device, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced.

At approximately 12:21 a.m. today members of the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit who were requested by Brockton Police to bolster COVID-19 mandatory curfew enforcement in the city, observed a suspicious vehicle parked with one occupant outside the vehicle at 535 Westgate Drive. State Troopers approached the man and inquired if he was an essential worker or responding to an emergency. The man, who was not wearing a mask, answered negatively and acted suspicious. The man’s responses and actions led State Police to conduct a search for weapons and officers located a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol and black nylon holster in the center console. The firearm was loaded with a high capacity magazine and ammunition. At that point, State Police placed Jair Barros, 34, of Brockton under arrest.

Barros is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in Brockton District Court on various gun charges and a violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

Brockton had recently announced a second curfew during the COVID-19 pandemic.