Loaded Firearm Seized After Traffic Stop in West Springfield

An 18-year-old man was arrested and a loaded gun was confiscated during a police operation.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit arrested an 18-year-old man named Alex Rosa early Friday morning in West Springfield after a traffic stop where a loaded firearm was found on the passenger seat floor where Rosa had been sitting. Rosa was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

Why it matters

The seizure of an illegal firearm during a traffic stop highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to get guns off the streets and address gun violence in the Springfield metropolitan area.

The details

Detectives had been investigating Rosa for illegal firearm possession for several months before receiving information that he was currently in possession of a gun. They located Rosa in West Springfield and conducted a traffic stop, where they found the loaded firearm on the passenger seat floor where Rosa had been sitting.

  • The traffic stop and arrest occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • Detectives had been investigating Rosa for several months prior to the arrest.

The players

Alex Rosa

An 18-year-old man from Springfield who was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit

The law enforcement unit that conducted the investigation and traffic stop leading to Rosa's arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Rosa will appear in court for his arraignment on the charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address illegal firearm possession and gun violence in the Springfield area through targeted investigations and traffic stops.