MAN SAYS HE FORGOT SEMI-AUTOMATIC BERETTA “FOUND” ON JOB SITE WAS STILL TUCKED BEHIND DRIVER’S SEAT: POLICE REPORT
HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – According to an arrest report filed by Patrolman Adam Ruggieri of the Barnstable Police Department, on the evening of Monday, February 12, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m., he was assigned to an unmarked cruiser in plainclothes when he observed a BMW X6 turn from Center Street onto Main Street. The BMW reportedly was missing a front license plate and had a taillight out. Patrolman Ruggieri activated his blue lights and conducted a traffic stop on Main Street near the intersection of Pearl Street.
Patrolman Ruggieri reportedly recognized the driver (and sole occupant) as Talles Provette (De Faria), 33, of Hyannis. Provette reportedly did not possess an active driver’s license and provided a passport instead. During the investigation, Provette reportedly used assisted translation on his phone, along with some English he spoke, to explain he had been going to the store to get food and understood he still did not possess a driver’s license. Provette reportedly did not think driving without a license was an issue and has reportedly been pulled over before without incident.
Additional officers arrived to assist.
During the stop, Provette was reportedly asked if there was “anything in the vehicle such as weapons, narcotics, large sums of money, or other items of importance in which he stated no.”
At some point, Ptl. Ruggieri noticed a bulge in the shape of a handgun in a pocket behind the driver’s seat. A “Pietro Berretta Model 85” semi-automatic handgun was discovered and removed from the pocket. It was reportedly loaded with seven 380 caliber rounds, with an additional round in the chamber. Provette reportedly did not possess a license to carry firearms and was subsequently placed under arrest for motor vehicle and firearm charges.
The stop then turned into a possible narcotics investigation and Ptl. Ruggieri’s report continues as follows:
“It is important to note that based on my training and experience in narcotics investigations along with criminal and drug interdiction, specific to traps and natural voids of vehicle several areas were documented inside Provette’s vehicle. While inventorying the vehicle I located several loose panels on the driver’s door, both sides of the center console, inside the center console, the rear of the center console, dash vent areas, and the lower portion of the trunk. Inside the trunk there was pooled water along with several moved and missing panels. Additionally bubble wrap was located underneath the flooring of the trunk. Inside the driver’s door a clear zip bag was located with numerous smaller clear cellophane bags inside. These smaller bags are consistent with the distribution of narcotics and had labels and identifiers on them for packaging purposes. Additionally under both the driver’s seat and passenger seat white powder residue was located…”
“… I returned to the BPD where with the assistance of Ptl. Barcelo, a portuguese speaking officer, Provette was advised of his bail and given his cellphone to make the proper notifications. While advising Provette of his bail, Provette advised Ptl. Barcelo that he was aware that he was in possession of the handgun but did not realize it was illegal. Provette stated that a coworker found the handgun on a job site and gave it to him to secure. Provette forgot that the handgun was still in his vehicle…”
Talles Provette (De Faria) was charged with the following: Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Defective Equipment (Taillight), Number Plate Violation, Possession of a Firearm While Loaded (Felony), Possession of a Firearm with No FID Card (Felony), and Possession of Ammunition with No FID Card.
* The details contained in the above report are based on a police arrest report filed in Barnstable District Court. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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ADDITIONAL HN PHOTOS RELATED TO THE ABOVE STORY:
ABOVE HN PHOTO: A Barnstable Police patrol sergeant has a serious look of concern as he carefully secures the handgun inside a special “GUN EVIDENCE BOX.”
ABOVE HN PHOTO: A member of the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigation Unit assists with the evidence process…
ABOVE HN PHOTO: A BPD patrolman checks the BMW for additional evidence…
ABOVE HN PHOTO: Another BPD patrolman finishes making sure the suspect is safely secured in a seatbelt just prior to transporting him back to police headquarters where the investigation was expected to continue…
ABOVE HN PHOTO: The plainclothes BPD officer who made the arrest is seen here waiting for a flatbed tow truck as the investigation is ongoing.
