Chesco Rep. Introduces Bill To Prohibit Loaded Firearms In Cars

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County state representative has introduced legislation to prohibit loaded firearms from being carried in vehicles.

The legislation, introduced by State Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), was inspired by Bianca Roberson, the 18-year-old Chester County woman gunned down in a road rage incident last summer.

"Bianca was a talented student with a bright future that was cut short due to a senseless act of violence,” Comitta said in a press conference this week announcing the bill. "What happened to Bianca should never have happened. We cannot allow residents of the commonwealth to live in danger of firearm violence as a result of road rage."

Roberson, a 2017 graduate of West Chester Rustin High School, had planned to head to Jacksonville University for a four-year merit scholarship to study criminal justice. She was out driving on Route 100, just north of Route 202 in West Goshen last June.

That's when 29-year-old David Desper, described by friends a "cool, calm guy," launched into road rage. Instead of just chasing Roberson, Desper, who had access to a loaded weapon in his car, fired at her, killing her.

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“That gun should not be further ready to use," Comitta said in the press conference. "We already know that the mere presence of a gun in a home increases suicide rates and the likelihood that an abuser shoots dead a domestic partner. In unstable situations, we must do what we can to prevent potential energy from turning into deadly kinetic energy – especially on roads. I and most gun safety proponents still protect Second Amendment rights and commonsense gun safety measures."

The bill, H.B. 2669, would not ban firearms from vehicles in all cases. Hunters, law enforcement, military personnel, and security drivers could continue to carry loaded firearms under the proposed legislation.

The penalty for having a loaded firearm in the car would be misdemeanor for a first offense, followed by a first degree misdemeanor for subsequent offenses, Commita said.

State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Learn how you can help support the Roberson family here.

Image via DeBaptiste Funeral Home