N. Providence police: Driver arrested for illegal gun, magazine hidden in car

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence man was arrested and charged with a firearm offense after North Providence police say they found an illegal weapon hidden in his car.

John Ellis Guance, 26, is charged with possession of a firearm without a license or permit after his Sunday arrest on Woonasquatucket Avenue.

According to North Providence Police Department Chief Alfred Ruggiero, Jr, Guance was initially stopped by a city patrolman after he was observed to have multiple motor vehicle violations.

Guance was found to be driving on a suspended driver’s license and suspended registration, according to Chief Ruggiero.

Officers located a 9mm handgun hidden under the driver’s seat of the vehicle, and a 12-round magazine was also found in the front door pocket, according to police.

Current Rhode Island law bans possession of a magazine with a capacity of ten or more rounds.