Salem Police Seize Guns, Brass Knuckles, Drugs In 3 Separate Busts

SALEM, MA — Salem police charged several people with drug, gun and violence crimes following investigations into incidents on Lafayette Street, Forest River Park and Meadow Street over the past month.

Salem police said one incident occurred on May 23 after a report of drug activity at a gas station on Lafayette Street. Police said a vehicle matching the description of a witness was found on Palmer Street.

Police said Kendall Bridges, 37, listed as homeless, was charged with Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License, Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Possession of Ammunition Without a License and Multiple Warrants.

Victor Rosario, 38, of Lynn, was charged with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Brass Knuckles), Trafficking Class B Substance (Cocaine), 18 grams or more, and Possession of a Class C Substance (Psilocybin Mushrooms).

Melanie Reddy, 42, of Lynn, was charged with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Brass Knuckles), Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License, Possession of a Class C Substance (Psilocybin Mushrooms), and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.

On June 12, police said they responded to Forest River Park for a report of an armed robbery where the victim said a gun was displayed.

Police said a vehicle matching the witnesses' description was found on Rainbow Terrace and a semi-automatic weapon with an extended magazine was seized.

Police said Jasmin Correa, 19, of Salem, Yandel Dejesus, of Beverly, and Christian Rio Gonzalez, of Salem, were charged with Armed Robbery, Intimidation of a Witness, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License, Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Possession of Ammunition Without a License, and Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm.

On June 23, Salem police worked in coordination with the Department of Youth Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force to execute a warrant issued by Salem Juvenile Court.

As a result of an investigation on Meadow Street, police said two juveniles were taken into custody on Department of Youth Services warrants.

Ronald Placencio, 19, of Lynn, and one juvenile were to face additional charges from the Salem Police Department, including Possession of a Firearm Without a License, Receiving Untraceable Ammunition, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, and Possession of Ammunition Without a License.

"The Salem Police Department remains committed to addressing violent crime and illegal firearm possession through proactive enforcement and thorough investigations," police said.