"R.I. man accused of driving with unlicensed shotgun" by Kiera Blessing | Globe Correspondent October 07, 2014
A Rhode Island man has been ordered to undergo a mental evaluation after he was arrested on Interstate 95 in Dedham early Monday, allegedly driving a car with an unlicensed shotgun aboard, State Police said.
Troy Fortes, 27, of Providence was pulled over when a trooper noticed that the Cadillac Deville he was driving, which had a New Hampshire plate, had a defective tail light, State Police said in a statement.
The trooper said Fortes appeared to be extremely nervous and was sweating profusely. Fortes was unable to produce a vehicle registration and said he did not know the name of the vehicle’s owner, State Police said. The trooper also observed a black case in the back seat with “Gun Guard” printed on it.
After the trooper discovered that Fortes did not have a license to carry a gun and another trooper arrived to act as backup, Fortes was ordered out of the car, and a 12-gauge automatic shotgun was found in the black case.
Fortes claimed to be unaware of the gun and said the vehicle belonged to his uncle. The owner of the vehicle, which had been reported missing in New Hampshire two hours earlier, said the car had been taken but that they did not wish to report it as stolen.
Fortes was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a shotgun, using a motor vehicle without authority, and having a defective tail light.
He was arraigned in Dedham District Court on Monday, where the court ordered that he be evaluated for criminal responsibility, after which he may seek bail. Fortes is scheduled to return Oct. 24 for a pretrial hearing.
--more--"
