Tiverton Police Department: Illegal Firearm Arrest

Press release from the Tiverton Police Department:

November 8, 2021

On November 7th at about 8:20pm, Officer Kobelecki conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Stateline Tobacco Convenience Store. A passenger, who was later identified as Justin Wheeler, 30, of Foxborough, MA provided Officer Kobelecki with a false identity alleging he was Justin Walker and gave a false date of birth and incorrect partial social security number.
Other officers arrived on the scene and removed the three occupants from the vehicle. Officers conducted a motor vehicle search and located a Beretta 950 BS .25 Caliber Pistol concealed under Wheeler’s front passenger seat. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and seven rounds inside its magazine. The serial number on the exterior of the pistol was also found to be obliterated and unidentifiable.

During a search of Wheeler’s person (incident to arrest), he was found to be in possession of a controlled substance (Clonazepam). Wheeler was subsequently charged with Carrying a Pistol Without a License, Alteration of Identification Marks on a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Obstruction of a Police Officer. Wheeler also had an active court warrant from the 6th District Court for failure to appear.

The members of the Tiverton Police Department applaud Officer Kobelecki’s efforts during the 4pm-midnight shift! Great Job Officer Kobelecki!!
The members of the Tiverton Police Department applaud Officer Kobelecki’s efforts during the 4pm-midnight shift! Great Job Officer Kobelecki!!

This press release was produced by the Tiverton Police Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.