Flat Tires Lead to Arrest of Two New Bedford Men

NEW BEDFORD — Two New Bedford men have been arrested on firearms and vehicle-related charges after a traffic stop for two flat tires.

New Bedford police said south end units stopped the vehicle with two flat tires on the driver's side at around 1:45 a.m. Saturday morning on Rt. 18 north near the Dunkin' Donuts.

The driver, 31-year-old Angel Lopez of Bullard Street, was found to have a suspended license, according to police.

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One of the three other people in the vehicle was its owner, 27-year-old Joshua Montilla-Soto of Princeton Street, who was in the passenger's seat.

Police said Montilla-Soto was heavily intoxicated and had his licensed firearm with him beneath the seat.

According to police, open containers of alcohol and marijuana were also in the vehicle.

Lopez was arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license.

Montilla-Soto was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm while intoxicated, improperly storing a firearm, and carrying alcohol on a public way.

His firearm and his license to carry were both seized.