On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Officers assigned to District B-2 (Roxbury) arrested 20-year-old Manuel De Rosa of Dorchester on firearm and drug-related charges following a traffic stop on Bird Street.
Officers were patrolling Columbia Road when they observed a Maserati negligently accelerating from Glendale Street onto Columbia Road at an unsafe speed. The vehicle subsequently stopped at a red light but failed to proceed when the light turned green, instead remaining stationary until the light turned red again. At that point, the vehicle ran the red light, making a left turn onto Bird Street. Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens and conducted a traffic stop at 40 Bird Street.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Officers observed four occupants inside. While addressing the operator to explain the reason for the stop, Officers were interrupted by a rear-seat passenger, later identified as Manuel De Rosa. During the interaction, Officers noted behaviors exhibited by De Rosa consistent with those of an armed individual.
Officers requested all occupants to exit the vehicle to conduct an investigation. While three individuals complied, De Rosa initially refused. When he eventually exited the vehicle, he became combative, resisting Officers’ attempts to conduct a pat-frisk for weapons. During the frisk, officers discovered a Walther CCP 9mm handgun in De Rosa’s waistband. The firearm was loaded with seven rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. Additionally, the weapon had a defaced serial number on the slide and was equipped with a light and laser attachment.
De Rosa resisted arrest but was ultimately subdued and taken into custody. During the booking process, Officers recovered several pills, suspected to be narcotics, from De Rosa’s sweatshirt pocket.
De Rosa is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on the following charges:
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm
- Drug Possession (Class E)
- Resisting Arrest
The operator of the vehicle was issued a traffic citation and summonsed to Roxbury District Court for Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.