Tiverton Man Caught With Stolen Gun, Metal Knuckles: Police

TIVERTON, RI — A Tiverton man was arrested at a traffic stop after police said he was caught with a stolen gun and metal knuckles.

David Sousa, 36, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of prohibited weapons.

Tiverton police on Wednesday said Sousa was arrested around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 21 on Main Road near Chace Avenue. According to police, Sousa was stopped because he wasn't wearing a seatbelt, and a database look up of him revealed his Massachusetts driver's license was revoked, and his driving privileges in Rhode Island were suspended. The look-up came because an officer recognized Sousa from prior encounters, according to police.

Police called a tow truck and conducted an inventory search. According to police, officers found a loaded handgun in the center console. Police said officers also found a set of black metal knuckles.

Further investigation revealed Sousa did not have a license to carry a firearm, and the gun was stolen out of Massachusetts, police said.

Sousa was arraigned Feb. 27 in Second District Court.

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