SPRINGFIELD — A man was arrested Sunday evening after Springfield police officers found a loaded large-capacity firearm during a traffic stop, according to a statement from the Springfield Police Department.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. on July 13, 2025, officers conducted a stop on the 0–100 block of Horace Street and identified the driver as 36-year-old Bernie Ruiz Jr. of Springfield. Police say Ruiz had an outstanding arrest warrant and was driving without a license. He was taken into custody at the scene.
During the stop, officers discovered a firearm inside the vehicle. It was loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, according to the department.
Ruiz is now facing the following charges:
- Convicted felon in possession of a firearm
- Carrying a loaded firearm without a license
- Possession of a large capacity firearm
- Possession of ammunition without an FID card
- Possession of a high-capacity magazine/feeding device
- Carrying a dangerous weapon while having an active warrant
- Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
- Littering from a motor vehicle
- Arrest warrant charge: assault & battery on a correctional facility employee
The Springfield Police Department has not released further details at this time.
