Incident on Route 44 leads to drug and gun arrest

Authorities arrested a man last week on multiple charges.

According to Massachusetts State Police, on Thursday January 14, Trooper Ali Jaafar was on patrol in Taunton assigned to State Police-Middleboro. While traveling on Cohannet Street in the area of Route 44, Trooper Jaafar observed a Cadillac SUV travel over the double yellow lane markings into the oncoming lane. Trooper Jaafar proceeded to catch up to the vehicle before it quickly turned into the parking lot of a business then parked.

Trooper Jaafar activated the cruiser’s blue lights then approached the Cadillac to speak with the operator along with two other occupants seated inside. Prior to approaching the Cadillac Trooper Jaafar observed a fourth occupant, later identified as Cameron Fowler, 22, of Boston, enter the business and remain inside for more than 10 minutes. After subsequent investigation on scene Trooper Jaafar built probable cause and gained permission to search the vehicle. A backpack and duffle bag were located containing over $12,000 in cash along with a large amount of marijuana and other items containing THC compounds. Trooper Jaafar also located a loaded Glock 43 pistol with the serial number completely vandalized and defaced inside one of the bags. During the interaction and search of the vehicle Fowler exited the store and was questioned by Troopers. It was determined through questioning that the bags belonged to Fowler, who does not possess a license to carry firearms. He was placed under arrest and escorted to a cruiser.

The operator of the Cadillac was issued a written citation for the motor vehicle offenses and permitted to leave the scene with the other two occupants. Fowler was transported to the Middleboro Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner was contacted and set bail at $1000. He was scheduled for arraignment at Taunton District Court on the charges of Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with Defaced Serial Number, Possession of Firearm without FID Card, Possession of Ammunition without FID Card; and Possession of a Class D Substance with Intent to Distribute.