WPD Finds Unlicensed Pistols During Traffic Stop

WARWICK, RI — Officers Nicholas DiNardo and Kevin Grant pulled over a 2005 Ford Expedition with plates for a Hyundai Jan. 2 at 11:23 a.m, finding two unlicensed pistols neither occupant was permitted to carry.

The black SUV’s license plate was both suspended and actually registered to a green Hyundai. The officers pulled the truck over and, after a brief talk through the vehicle’s windows, learned none of the windows on the Expedition worked. The officers asked each occupant, the driver, later identified asJay Harris, 31, of of 391 Farmington Ave., Cranston and the front passenger, later identified as Josmari Harris, 25, also of 391 Farmington Ave., Cranston, to step from the SUV.

As they did, Grant, who was on the passenger’s side door, noticed a holstered pistol on the floor on Josmari’s side. He told her to put her hands on the dash and then secured the firearm, alerting DiNardo of the gun, later identified as a Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard, with six rounds in the magazine.

DiNardo searched the driver, Jay, finding a Mosberg MCI-MC 9mm, with seven rounds in the magazine.

Neither were licensed to conceal carry a firearm, according to DiNardo’s report.

The officers searched the SUV, finding a bottle with 12 orange pills inside. These were later identified as Oxycodone, 1.2 grams, which also contained Fentanyl. Officers also found several nip bottles and a cup containing what was later confirmed as alcohol.

Jay and Josmari were each charged with Cary Pistol or Revolver Without License or Permit.

Jay was also charged with possession of a controlled substance, the pills, and cited for driving an unregistered vehicle, driving with a suspended license, and driving while in the presence of alcohol.