Pair of traffic stops on I-84 result in multiple firearms charges

SOUTHEAST, N.Y. - Two separate traffic stops on Interstate 84 in the Town of Southeast over the past week led to multiple weapons-related arrests, according to New York State Police.

On April 30 at approximately 9 p.m., members of the Troop K Community Stabilization Unit conducted a traffic stop on an eastbound Toyota for violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. The driver was identified as Cotman A. Rosario Suarez, 30, of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Police said Rosario Suarez consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, troopers recovered an American Tactical semi-automatic rifle, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Pioneer Arms Classic Pro AK-style pistol, and numerous high-capacity magazines.

Rosario Suarez was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including five counts of manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments, all class D felonies. He also faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, including possession of an assault weapon and possession of three or more firearms, along with additional counts of criminal possession of a firearm.

He was arraigned on May 1 in Town of Southeast Court and released on his own recognizance.

In a separate incident just days later, on May 3 at approximately 2:49 a.m., New York State Police in Somers conducted another traffic stop on an eastbound vehicle on Interstate 84 in Southeast for a traffic violation.

During that stop, troopers identified the driver as Jayden A. Samaniego, 21, of Danbury, Connecticut. While interviewing Samaniego, troopers observed a Glock 9mm handgun in plain view inside the vehicle. Police said the firearm was loaded with a magazine containing multiple rounds of ammunition.

Samaniego was arrested and charged with one count of criminal possession of a firearm in the second degree, a class C felony.

He was arraigned in Town of Carmel Court and released on his own recognizance. Samaniego is scheduled to appear in Town of Southeast Court on May 14 at 1 p.m.

Both incidents remain under investigation.