Fall River man faces DUI, gun charges after police search

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WLNE) — A Fall River man faces charges connected to driving under the influence and unlawful gun possession after police searched his car in Dartmouth.

Dartmouth police said Frederick James Smith, Jr. was arrested after a traffic stop around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Police initially pulled Smith over for suspected drunk driving.

Dartmouth officers reportedly found a loaded 38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver under the driver’s seat after a traffic stop. (Dartmouth police)

After he was taken into custody, police searched the car and reportedly found a loaded revolver beneath the driver’s seat.

Smith was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, failure to stop for police, speeding, carrying a loaded firearm without a license — second offense, possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card, carrying a firearm without a license — second offense, and improper storage of a firearm.