Tiverton man arrested on firearm charges after police say gun was reported stolen in Massachusetts

A local man is facing multiple gun charges after a traffic stop.

According to Tiverton Police, on February 21st, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Sgt. Jason Kobelecki observed a silver 2008 Ford Expedition traveling south on Main Road near Chace Avenue. Sgt. Kobelecki observed that the operator was not wearing a seatbelt.

Through previous contacts, Sgt. Kobelecki recognized the operator as 36-year-old David Souza, of Tiverton. A law enforcement database inquiry revealed Souza had a revoked Massachusetts driver’s license and his Rhode Island driving privileges were suspended.

Sgt. Kobelecki conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main Road at John Duggan Road. A police tow service was then dispatched to tow the vehicle. Sgt. Kobelecki conducted an inventory search of the vehicle. In the center console, Sgt. Kobelecki located a set of black metal knuckles. Sgt. Kobelecki also located an SCT / KT Glock 43x 9mm handgun concealed inside the rear map compartment of the front passenger seat. The firearm was loaded with ten rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Further investigation revealed that Souza did not possess a license to carry a concealed weapon in Rhode Island or any other state. The investigation also found that the firearm had been reported stolen out of Massachusetts.

Souza was criminally charged with Carrying a Pistol Without a License / Permit, Possession of a Stolen Firearm, and Weapons Other Than Firearms Prohibited (Metal Knuckles).

Souza was arraigned by a Bail Commissioner at Tiverton Police Headquarters later that evening.