Massachusetts State Police say a Rhode Island man is facing drunk driving and several gun charges after a motor vehicle crash in West Springfield on Saturday morning.
A trooper responded to the crash on Route 91 north at 3 a.m. to find that Nicholas Beard, 25, of Cranston, had crashed his Mazda into a median barrier.
Beard was arrested for operating under the influence of liquor (2nd Offense) and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
Upon further investigation, police said the arresting trooper then found a loaded .40 caliber handgun inside the vehicle. Beard was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, and possession of ammunition without an FID card.
Beard is being held on $2,500 bail pending his arraignment Tuesday in Springfield District Court.
