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Unregistered Vehicle Leads To OUI Arrest And Seizure Of Illegal Gun


Around 9:35PM on Saturday, June 22, 2024, Trooper Joseph Helnarski of the SP-Springfield Barracks was conducting patrol on Route 5 in West Springfield. Trooper Helnarski noted a red Jeep Patriot ahead of his cruiser with no operational license plate lighting. Trooper Helnarski moved closer to the vehicle and ran the Connecticut license plate which returned no record on file from the RMV.


Trooper Helnarski conducted a traffic stop and spoke with the operator, who could not produce valid documentation for the vehicle or a driver’s license. Trooper Helnarski immediately noticed an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle, and identified signs of impairment from the operator, JAMAL RODRIGUEZ FRANCIS, 36, of West Springfield.


Trooper Helnarski asked RODRIGUEZ FRANCIS to perform field sobriety tests and blow into a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) device. Based off RODRIGUES FRANCIS’ performance and PBT results, Trooper Helnarski placed the man under arrest and secured him in handcuffs.


Trooper Helnarski conducted an inventory of the Jeep in preparation for a tow. Trooper Helnarski found tucked between the driver’s seat and center console, an unsecured and loaded Glock 23 handgun with an inserted 13-round magazine. RODRIGUEZ FRANCIS does not have a license to carry a firearm.  


JAMAL RODRIGUEZ FRANCIS was transported to the SP-Springfield Barracks to be booked, fingerprinted, and photographed.


RODRIGUEZ FRANCIS was arraigned in Springfield District Court on charges of:

  1. OUI Liquor (Third Offense);

  2. Operation Of A Motor Vehicle With License Suspended For OUI;

  3. OUI With Suspended License For OUI;

  4. Possession Of A Firearm Without FID (Subsequent Offense)

  5. Possession Of A Large Capacity Feeding Device;

  6. Carrying A Loaded Firearm;

  7. Possession Of A Large Capacity Firearm During A Felony;

  8. Firearm Violation With Three Prior Violent/Drug Crimes;

  9. Improper Storage Of A Large Capacity Firearm;

  10. Number Plate Violation;

  11. Attaching Plates;

  12. Unregistered Motor Vehicle;

  13. Uninsured Motor Vehicle; and

  14. Open Container Of Alcohol In A Motor Vehicle.

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