Pablo David Bonilla Sosa

Karen Patricia Gomez Bonilla

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EAST PROVIDENCE — A traffic stop in city recently led to the arrest of two New Yorkers on illegal firearms charges.

East Providence Police Officer Nathan DaCosta stopped a vehicle with two persons inside on South Broadway on Sunday, July 23, for suspicion of driving under the influence after the operator allegedly made several traffic violations. Upon further view, the vehicle appeared to have had recent damage and what looked to be a bullet hole in the front windshield.

Officer DaCosta made contact with the operator who was later identified as Pablo David Bonilla Sosa, 32, of New York. Sosa showed significant signs of impairment during the encounter. While Officer DaCosta was speaking with Sosa, he observed a semi-automatic pistol by his feet. Sosa was ordered out of the vehicle.

While speaking Sosa, the front seat passenger, later identified as Karen Patricia Gomez Bonilla, also 32 and of New York, grabbed the firearm from the driver side floor.

Officer DaCosta gave commands to Bonilla which were ignored. Bonilla continued to manipulate the weapon before finally placing the pistol under the passenger seat. Once backup officers arrived on scene, both Sosa and Bonilla were placed into custody.

Officer DaCosta retrieved the Smith and Wesson pistol from under the passenger seat. The firearm was loaded and appeared to have an obliterated serial number.

The suspects were charged with the following crimes:

Pablo David Bonilla Sosa — License Required for Carrying a Pistol; Carrying a Weapon While Intoxicated; Alteration of Marks of Identification on Firearms; DUI Drugs/Alcohol

Karen Patricia Gomez Bonilla — License Required for Carrying a Pistol; Carrying a Weapon While Intoxicated; Alteration of Marks of Identification on Firearms

Sosa and Bonilla were later arraigned and transported to the Adult Correctional Institute.