Traffic stop uncovers loaded handgun near Boulevard Mall

Amherst police have recovered trace amounts of cocaine and a loaded handgun from a vehicle stopped for a traffic infraction.

At 10 p.m. Sunday, a sport utility vehicle was stopped for speeding on Niagara Falls Boulevard near the mall. During the investigation, the officers noticed that the four individuals inside "appeared nervous," and they detected an odor of marijuana, according to Assistant Chief Timothy Green.

After searching the vehicle, officers Andrew Edwards and James Persons recovered small amounts of marijuana and cocaine, as well as a loaded, 38-caliber revolver, Green said.

He said it was not immediately known to whom the gun belonged.

The driver, Nemencio Rosario, 30, of Amherst was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a loaded firearm - a C felony - and two traffic violations, speeding and obstructed vision.

The passengers, Omar Hernandez, 27; Carmen Rodriguez, 23; and Miguel Gutierrez, 20, all of Buffalo, were also charged with possessing controlled substances and a loaded firearm. Hernandez faces additional charges of providing false information about his identify - a misdemeanor.

They were held at Amherst police headquarters overnight, awaiting arraignment.