In a late-night bust in Springfield, Massachusetts, police officers apprehended a man with a loaded gun and a significant amount of cocaine. Officials from the Springfield Police Department reported seizing the loaded firearm from 39-year-old Rafael Rodriguez on Thursday night after a tip-off about an armed suspect.

According to the Springfield Police Department, the incident occurred on the 800 block of Carew Street, at approximately 11:20 p.m. Rodriguez, who turned up at a local bar, became the subject of police attention after a call earlier in the evening around 10:15 p.m. stated that Rodriguez was armed with a firearm and might be on the move to the drinking establishment. Responding to the call, officers were waiting at the bar and promptly detained Rodriguez, during which a quantity of cocaine was inadvertently dropped to the floor.

Upon his arrest, a search revealed a gun secreted in Rodriguez's waistband. Rodriguez was already on the radar for an outstanding warrant for heroin trafficking. Further investigation unearthed a troubling past: in 2013, he was convicted in Pennsylvania for attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. This rap sheet compounded the gravity of the charges now levied against him.

Springfield authorities have charged Rafael Rodriguez with several serious offenses. "39-year-old Rafael Rodriguez of Springfield is charged with Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Firearm Violation with 2 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes, Carrying a Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License," the Springfield Police Department statement listed the charges, in addition to Cocaine Trafficking and other assault-related offenses, some including an Assault & Battery on a Family/Household Member.