2 From NY Facing Gun Charges In East Providence, 1 Charged With DUI

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — A man and women from New York were arrested on gun charges in East Providence, following a drunken driving investigation, police said Friday.

On Sunday, Officer Nathan DaCosta pulled over a car on South Broadway after the driver made several traffic violations, police said. When the car came to a stop, police said DaCosta noticed it had recent damage, including a bullet hole in the front windshield.

Police said the driver, Paul David Bonilla Sosa, 32, showed significant signs of impairment. While DaCosta spoke with Sosa, he noticed a semi-automatic pistol by Sosa's feet, according to police.

Police said DaCosta ordered Sosa to step outside the car. But while ordering Sosa, his passenger, Karen Patricia Gomez Bonilla, 32, grabbed the gun, police said. DaCosta gave commands to Bonilla, which police said she ignored. Police said Bonilla continued to "manipulate the weapon" before finally placing the pistol under the passenger seat.

Police said once backup officers arrived on scene, both Sosa and Bonilla were placed into custody.

DaCosta retrieved the Smith and Wesson pistol from under the passenger seat. The pistol was loaded and appeared to have an obliterated serial number, police said.

"Officer DaCosta showed extreme restraint, professionalism, and remained calm during the entire encounter," Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said.

Sosa and Bonilla were charged with license required for carrying a pistol, carrying a weapon while intoxicated, and alteration of marks of identification on firearms. Sosa was also charged with DUI drugs/alcohol.

Sosa and Bonilla were later arraigned and brought to the Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institute in Cranston.

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