On Friday, November 14, 2025, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) arrested Rodney Frederick, 47, of Dorchester, on firearm charges.
About 2:30 AM, while on patrol in the area of Vassar Street, observations were made of a motor vehicle failing to stop for a red light. As the vehicle drove past officers in the opposite lane of travel, they could see that the vehicle had excessive window tint.
Officers conducted a U-turn, and were able to position their cruiser behind the suspected vehicle. The vehicle was then seen attempting to park in a posted no parking zone. At this time, officers activated their cruiser’s emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop at the intersection of Washington Street and Norwell Street.
While speaking with the operator of the vehicle, it was determined that he did not have an active license. The operator was requested to exit the vehicle, and a motor vehicle inventory search was conducted. Officers recovered a firearm from inside the vehicle, and district detectives were requested to respond. During the inventory search, officers also observed a cup in the center cup holder with alcohol emanating from it.
Detectives determined the firearm to be a Springfield Armory XD with one round in the chamber and fifteen rounds in a large capacity magazine.
Frederick was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court for the following charges:
- Firearm Violation with three prior Violent/Drug Crimes
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, Second Offense
- Carrying a Firearm without a License
- Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Operating a Motor Vehicle without a License
- Fail to Stop at a Red Light
- Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Window Obstructed/Nontransparent
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license