Shortly after 2 p.m. yesterday Trooper Robert Padellaro, assigned to State Police-Danvers, was patrolling Route 1 in Peabody. As he approached the Plaza Inn he observed a Chevrolet Impala, with dark window tint, traveling nearly 70 miles per hour in a 50 mile per hour zone. Trooper Padellaro activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle as they were approaching Lowell Street.
Upon the vehicle stopping, Trooper Padellaro observed two occupants inside making strange movements. As he exited his cruiser and approached the vehicle he detected the odor of freshly burnt Marijuana. He informed the operator, identified as CRAIG GIBBS-WOODEN, 21 of Everett, why he was stopped and began to question him.
After a short investigation on scene Trooper Padellaro built probable cause to search the area where the men were sitting, at which point Trooper James Maloney arrived on scene to assist. Trooper Padellaro quickly located a .38 special revolver, fully loaded, with the hammer cocked ready to fire. Neither GIBBS-WOODEN nor the passenger, identified as VICTOR ELLIS, 20, of Roxbury, possessed a license to carry firearms and were subsequently arrested.
Both men were transported to the Danvers Barracks where they were booked. They were transported to Peabody District Court this morning where they were arraigned on the following offenses.
GIBBS-WOODEN:
- Illegal Possession of a Firearm;
- Possession of Ammunition without FID Card;
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm; and
- Possession of a Firearm with One Prior Violent Crime.
ELLIS
- Possession of Firearm Without FID Card, Subsequent Offense;
- Possession of Ammunition Without FID Card, Subsequent Offense;
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm; and
- Possession of a Firearm with One Prior Violent Crime
