Gun Found Hidden Under Mat, Armor-Piercing Ammo In Glove Box: NRPD

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A traffic stop uncovered an unexpected find, according to police officials.

The New Rochelle Police Department says that on Saturday, around 2:25 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Memorial Highway and Burling Lane. During the stop, officers discovered that the vehicle's registration was invalid due to a lack of insurance. The vehicle was then impounded.

During a routine search of the vehicle, police found a Ruger handgun hidden under the passenger floor mat. In addition, a large-capacity magazine containing 21 rounds of 5.7 caliber ammunition, capable of penetrating body armor, was found in the glove compartment.

The passenger, identified as 26-year-old Kevin Beckford, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, admitted he was the owner of the handgun and magazine, telling police that he has a valid pistol license in Connecticut.

The driver of the vehicle, a 23-year-old man who is also from Bridgeport, claimed to have no knowledge of the firearm's presence, according to police. He was issued a summons and released from custody.

Beckford was arrested and was held pending arraignment. He was charged with felony second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The New Rochelle Police Department said they remain committed to ensuring public safety and removing illegal firearms from the streets. They ask that anyone with information related to this incident to contact NRPD at 914-654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS.