WEST GREENWICH — A routine traffic stop for speeding led to the discovery of an illegal firearm and a connection to a nearby brush fire, according to West Greenwich police.
An officer pulled over a vehicle on Nooseneck Hill Road for speeding at approximately 3 p.m. Monday, March 10.
During the stop, police determined the driver did not possess a valid license, requiring the vehicle to be towed.
Before conducting an inventory of the vehicle’s contents, the driver admitted to having a loaded revolver in the passenger compartment, which officers subsequently located.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to West Greenwich Police Department headquarters for processing.
Further investigation revealed the suspect had been in the Hopkins Hill Road area of Big River Management Area prior to the traffic stop.
Police noted that a 3.5-acre brush fire had broken out in that same area around the time of the arrest.
When questioned, the suspect admitted to starting a campfire with friends in the area before being stopped by police.
The suspect was arraigned and released on surety bail on charges including carrying a pistol/revolver without a permit, sixth-degree arson, and conspiracy.
West Greenwich police continue to investigate the incident and thanked Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Environmental Police for their assistance.
