SOUTHBRIDGE — On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at approximately 5:47 p.m., a Southbridge police officer conducting routine patrol observed a motor vehicle fail to yield at a rotary.
According the the Southbridge Police Department, a traffic stop was initiated in a nearby parking lot with the assistance of a second responding officer.
Officers determined the vehicle was occupied by three juveniles and, during the traffic stop and subsequent investigation, found that one occupant was in possession of marijuana.
Through further investigation, police also discovered a 9mm Ruger LC9 handgun.
The Southbridge Police Department said the juvenile found in possession of the firearm did not have a valid License to Carry (LTC) or Firearms Identification Card (FID), as required under Massachusetts law. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Southbridge Police Headquarters for booking. The driver was issued a citation for failure to yield, while the remaining occupant was released to a guardian and appropriate notifications were made, police said.
A 16-year-old juvenile was charged with the following:
- Carrying a Firearm Without a License
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
In its statement issued on April 24, 2026, the Southbridge Police Department said it would file a report with the Department of Children and Families regarding all juveniles involved.
