Stolen Gun, Drugs: Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Multiple Arrests In Western Mass

Police in Springfield who were just following up on an unregistered vehicle got a lot more than they expected, bringing home two arrests, a loaded pistol, and trafficking weight of cocaine, authorities said.

Deshaun Stenson, top left, and Michael Rooney were arrested after a routine traffic stop last week unveiled a stolen pistol and several grams of cocaine, Springfield police said.
Photo Credit: *Springfield Police Department*

Josh Lanier

05/16/2023 1:41 p.m.

The officers were near the Maple and Temple streets intersection on Friday, May 12, when they noticed the car and went to investigate. The driver didn't have a license, which meant the car would need to be towed, police said.

After the passenger stepped out, police began a cursory search of the vehicle. Inside a black plastic bag on the passenger side of the car, officers found a loaded, large-capacity pistol and 21 grams of crack cocaine, authorities said. They also found ammo and a digital scale in a separate bag.

The gun had been reported stolen out of Georgia, police said.

The passenger, Deshaun Stenson, 26, of Springfield, is charged with:

Carrying a firearm without a license
Carrying a loaded large-capacity gun on a public way
Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
Cocaine trafficking 18-36 grams
Receiving stolen property worth less than $1200
Firearm violation with a prior violent/drug crime

The driver, Michael Rooney, of Springfield, is charged with:

Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license
Unregistered motor vehicle

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