Troopers Arrest Driver Impaired by Drugs Arrested, Seize Loaded Gun Reported Stolen from Georgia

At approximately 9 p.m. on February 9, Trooper Sean Clark, assigned to the State Police-Springfield Barracks, was patrolling Route 91 in Springfield when he observed an Acura sedan being operated erratically.

Trooper Clark followed the vehicle on to Route 5 in West Springfield, at which point he activated his cruiser’s blue lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The operator of the Acura continued on to several side streets while Trooper Clark’s lights and siren were activated, but eventually stopped in a parking lot. Troopers Derek Desruisseaux and Zachary Driscoll arrived on scene to assist.

Trooper Clark approached the vehicle and identified the operator as PABLO RIVERA, 26, of Holyoke. While speaking to RIVERA, Trooper Clark observed signs of impairment associated with alcohol and narcotics. After further investigation, including administering field sobriety tests to RIVERA, Troopers determined that he was under the influence of drugs and placed him under arrest. 

During the inventory of the Acura, Trooper Clark located a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. RIVERA is not licensed to possess firearms. Additionally, an electronic inquiry of the firearm revealed it was stolen from Georgia.

RIVERA was transported to the Springfield Barracks for booking. A bail commissioner set bail at $25,000 and scheduled RIVERA for arraignment at Springfield District Court on the following charges:

1. Speeding;

2. Marked Lanes Violation;

3. Operating Under the Influence of Intoxicating Drugs;

4. Failure to Stop for Police;

5. Illegal Possession of a Firearm;

6. Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device;

7. Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;

8. Carrying a Dangerous Weapon;

9. Receiving Stolen Property +$1200; and

10. Improper Storage of a Firearm.

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