At about 7:06 PM, on Monday, August 26, 2024, members of the Drug Control Unit assigned to District E-18 (Hyde Park) arrested Messiah Scott, 25, of Braintree, and Vanderley Bonneau, 23, of Brockton, on firearm and drug charges.
Officers were conducting an ongoing drug investigation in the area of 885 Cummins Highway. Officers observed a known suspect enter a vehicle in the parking lot. After a few minutes, the suspect exited the motor vehicle and began to walk away. Officers believed that a street level drug transaction had occurred. Officers were able to stop the suspect, and observe him swallow an unknown item. Officers recovered drug paraphernalia from the suspect who refused medical treatment, and was promptly released.
Officers observed the motor vehicle had no front license plate and requested a marked cruiser to assist with a traffic stop. Officers observed the vehicle park in the parking lot. Officers made contact with the occupants and requested them to exit the vehicle.
After further investigation, officers recovered a firearm from inside the vehicle. The firearm was later determined to be a Springfield Armory XDS with one round in the chamber, and seven rounds in the magazine. The firearm was equipped with a flashlight and the firearm’s serial number was also obliterated.
As officers searched the passenger, they recovered a plastic bag containing fifty fentanyl pills, and $1,866 in US currency. Officers continued to search the vehicle and recovered nine bank cards with various names, a printer, and black checking printing paper.
Both suspects were placed under arrest and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Defacement of a Firearm Serial Number. Scott was additionally charged with Possession of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A. Both suspects are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.