Too-Dark Window Tint Leads to Car Stop, Arrest on Gun Charges

At approximately 10:15 p.m. on February 9, Sergeant Edward Troy, supervisor of the Massachusetts State Police Troop A Community Action Team, was patrolling Route 110 in Methuen when he observed an Infinity sedan with an illegal level of window tint. Sergeant Troy followed the vehicle on to Route 495 then observed it accelerate to 80 mph in a 55 mph zone. Sergeant Troy activated his cruiser’s blue lights and stopped the vehicle in the breakdown lane. Under Massachusetts law, window tint on a vehicle must allow at least 35 percent of light through.

As the vehicle was stopping, Sergeant Troy observed the operator make several strange horizontal movements. Once the car came to a full stop, the Sergeant approached and identified the operator as CAMRON ARTHUR, 19, of Lawrence. Sergeant Troy observed ARTHUR trying to kick an item under his seat. Sergeant Troy then used his flashlight and observed the grip of a pistol with an extended magazine protruding from the bottom. Sergeant Troy removed ARTHUR from the vehicle and identified the pistol as a 9mm Glock 19. ARTHUR is not licensed to possess firearms and was placed under arrest. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, Troopers located THC and Marijuana products, along with electronic scales and packaging commonly used in the illegal sale of narcotics.

ARTHUR was transported to the State Police-Andover Barracks and booked on the below charges:

1. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;

2. Carrying a Loaded Firearm;

3. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;

4. Possession of a Class C Drug with Intent to Distribute;

5. Possession of a Class D Drug with Intent to Distribute;

6. Illegal Window Tint; and

7. Speeding.

ARTHUR was held in lieu of $10,000 cash bail and was subsequently arraigned in Lawrence District Court.

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