Rhode Island Woman Allegedly Tried to Sell Illegal AR-15 Style Rifle in Fall River

FALL RIVER — Police in Fall River say they prevented the illegal sale of an AR-15 style high-capacity rifle in the city yesterday.

Investigating detectives in the Fall River Police Department's Gang Unit found Rhode Island resident Melanie Shackelford, 24, was allegedly looking to sell the AR-15 style rifle on the street.

On July 22, detectives said they intercepted Shackelford and searched her vehicle.

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During the search, they found a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 rifle, a 30-round rifle magazine, a 20-round rifle magazine, a Walther PPK/S .380 caliber pistol, three pistol magazines, .380 ammunition, and .223 ammunition.

Shackelford has been arrested on charges of possessing a large capacity firearm and feeding device, possessing a firearm and ammunition without a license, improper storage of a large capacity firearm, and two motor vehicle registration charges.

Fall River Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza commented, “I commend the investigators involved in this case; they prevented the potential use of a high powered rifle from being used in our community.”