WORCESTER, MA — A 20-year-old man was arrested after police found a loaded firearm during a traffic stop on Lincoln Street.
Leonel Rivera, of Worcester, was taken into custody at approximately 7 p.m. on May 12, 2026, near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Catharine Street.
A Worcester Police Gang Unit Detective had been on patrol when he spotted a vehicle that had been identified as being involved in a ShotSpotter activation in Great Brook Valley on May 11, 2026.
The detective followed the vehicle and requested additional detectives to respond.
Once backup arrived, officers conducted a traffic stop.
Upon approaching the vehicle, detectives observed several open containers of alcohol inside.
While removing Rivera from the rear passenger seat, detectives found a loaded 9mm firearm in a cross-body bag he was wearing.
Rivera does not possess a license to carry a firearm.
He was charged with carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm without a FID, possession of ammunition, minor in possession of alcohol, possession of an open container of alcohol and possession of Class B.
The vehicle owner was arrested and charged with minor in possession of alcohol and possession of an open container of alcohol.
A juvenile male will be summonsed for possession of an open container of alcohol and minor in possession of alcohol.
