Bronx Man Arrested With Loaded Gun After Thruway Traffic Stop
A Bronx man is facing serious charges after New York State Troopers pulled him over on the Thruway in Yonkers and found a loaded gun in his car.
According to State Police, the arrest happened around 3:30 a.m. on June 25, 2025. Troopers with Troop T, stationed out of SP Tarrytown, stopped a gray 2021 Hyundai Elantra on Interstate 87 in the City of Yonkers for traffic violations.
During the stop, troopers investigated the driver, 21-year-old Jerico E. Vega of the Bronx, for possible impairment. As they searched for any intoxicating substances, they found a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun hidden in the vehicle. Troopers say the weapon was loaded and had a large-capacity magazine.
Vega was arrested on the spot and charged with:
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Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd degree (Loaded Firearm), a class C felony
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Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree (Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device), a class D felony
He was taken to Yonkers City Court, where Judge Evan Inlaw set bail at $2,500 cash or a $25,000 bond, with an option of paying 10% of a $24,000 partially secured bond.
Vega is being held at the Westchester County Jail and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 3 p.m.
Gun Possession Laws in New York
New York has some of the toughest gun laws in the country. It is illegal to have a loaded firearm without a valid permit. Carrying a large-capacity magazine can lead to additional felony charges, even if the gun is never fired. According to the New York State Police, these laws are meant to reduce gun violence and keep illegal weapons off the streets.
If convicted on the top charge, Vega could face up to 15 years in prison under state sentencing guidelines.
Local Impact
Illegal firearms continue to be a concern in Westchester County and throughout New York. Local community groups, including the Yonkers Violence Reduction Initiative, have been working with police to cut down on gun crimes and encourage young people to stay away from weapons.
Community advocates say early prevention, mental health support, and educational opportunities are key to reducing the need to carry illegal guns in the first place.
