STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Two men were arrested after police allegedly discovered a loaded firearm, a silencer, brass knuckles and drugs during a traffic stop in Clifton, according to a criminal complaint.
Victor David-Flores, 24, who police say was driving a black 2019 Alfa Romeo sedan, and Gustavo Solis, 23, who was in the passenger seat, were apprehended on Dec. 28 at about 12:15 a.m. near Vanderbilt Avenue and Tompkins Avenue, the complaint states.
Officers allege that David-Flores was operating the vehicle with its rear license plate obscured by plastic, making the numbers difficult to read. When police attempted to arrest David-Flores, Solis allegedly exited the car and pushed against uniformed officers in an effort to interfere, according to the complaint.
“Late last night, Q-Team Officers Castellano and Kaleem were conducting quality of life VTL enforcement and effected an arrest of an individual in possession of this loaded firearm equipped with a suppressor,” the 120th Precinct wrote on its official X page on Dec. 28.
After the vehicle was taken to the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George, police say they found a black bag under the driver’s seat containing a loaded .22 caliber black Taurus handgun with a large-capacity magazine holding 13 rounds, as well as a firearm silencer. Officers also allegedly recovered a pink, heart-shaped pill identified as MDMA — commonly known as ecstasy — and a set of brass knuckles from the center console, the complaint states.
Police say David-Flores’ driver’s license was previously suspended and revoked twice, and he was unable to produce a valid license when asked. Neither defendant is licensed to possess a firearm in New York City or in New York state, according to the complaint.
Both defendants face a lengthy list of charges, including one count each of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; two counts each of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; one count each of criminal possession of a firearm; two counts each of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; one count each of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and one count each of unlawful possession of certain ammunition feeding devices. Solis is additionally charged with one count of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, while David-Flores faces one count of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree and one count of motor vehicle license violation.
According to the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, bail for David-Flores was set at $25,000 cash or $150,000 bond, while prosecutors requested $50,000 cash or $250,000 bond for Solis. The presiding judge ordered supervised release for Solis.
David-Flores is due back in court on Jan. 2, while Solis is scheduled to return on Feb. 26. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment.