A Fall River couple, Jose Fernando Cortez, 31, and Margarita Mercado Matos, 34, are facing a multitude of firearm-related charges following a traffic stop that uncovered three illegal guns and ammunition. Police initially stopped Cortez’s vehicle for speeding and multiple infractions, only to discover he had active warrants and a firearm in the car — a situation that escalated with the subsequent search of their home pinpointing additional illegal firearms.
During the encounter, officers seized a variety of firearms, including a Glock 48 and a Smith & Wesson SD9VE, along with large-capacity magazines and ammunition. Notably, Mercado Matos lacked the necessary Massachusetts licensing to carry firearms, leading to serious charges, including reckless endangerment involving a minor present at their residence. The arrests underline ongoing concerns about illegal firearms in the community and the potential risks they pose.
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