Youth Violence Strike Force Recovers Firearm During Traffic Stop in Dorchester

At about 7:36 PM, on Wednesday, August 7^th, 2024, Members of the Youth Violence Strike Force conducted a traffic stop resulting in the on-site firearm arrest of Christopher Rodriguez, 33, of Hyde Park, at the intersection of Columbia Road and Dudley Street, Dorchester.

Officers were on patrol at the intersection of Bird St. and Hancock St. when they observed a vehicle with dark tinted windows traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers changed their direction of travel and were able to locate the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop at 782 Dudley St.

As Officers approached the vehicle and contacted the operator, later identified as Rodriguez, they observed a total of three occupants inside the vehicle, including a front seat and back seat passenger who were not wearing seatbelts. Officers had a cordial conversation with the operator and the front seat passenger at first, but observed unusual behavior from the backseat passenger and began an investigation.

During their investigation Officers issued exit orders to all three occupants for Officer safety concerns and they became confrontational. The occupants were arguing with Officers and when Rodriguez was asked to exit the vehicle, he attempted to prevent Officers from entering the vehicle and shut a door on one of the Officers arms.

All three individuals were removed from the vehicle and the investigation resulted in the recovery of a firearm from the center console. The firearm was determined to be a black and gray 9mm Taurus G3C with an attached laser, one high capacity magazine, and twelve (12) 9mm cartridges.

Christopher Rodriguez was arrested and is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court for the charges of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition (Subsequent Offense), Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License, Carrying a Firearm Without a License (2^nd Subsequent Offense), Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, and a Firearm Violation with 2 Prior Violent and/or Drug Crimes. Additionally, Rodriguez was issued a Mass Uniform Citation for having a Nontransparent Window Obstruction.