Drunk Driving Arrest Leads to Firearm Seizure

New Bedford, MA — Patrol officers have taken a Providence man into custody following a late-night traffic stop this past weekend.

On April 14th, at around 3 AM, officers were investigating the erratic operation of a vehicle that had stopped on Norwell St. The suspect, Mr. ELIEZER MELERO, 27, of Sumster St. in Providence, was operating the vehicle. MELERO had a female passenger with him.

Ofc. Jacob Rebello and Ofc. Robert Green immediately detected signs of intoxication as MELERO refused repeated commands to produce his license and exit the vehicle.  A brief struggle ensued, during which it was discovered that he had a firearm near his feet on the floor beneath him.  MELERO was successfully taken into custody, and the firearm was secured.  It was found to be a Glock 17 pistol with no serial number for which MELERO had no license.

MELERO was transported to headquarters, where he was found to have a blood alcohol level of .16, which is twice the legal limit.  MELERO was charged with a variety of offenses, including drunk driving, failure to submit to police, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of a high-capacity firearm and ammunition while intoxicated and unlicensed. MELERO has a previous charge for firearm possession in Rhode Island.

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