Crime & Safety
Loaded Gun And Hash Seized In Westerly Traffic Stop
Police say Westerly resident Richard Whyte had a loaded 9mm handgun tucked in his pants with no license to carry a firearm in Rhode Island.
WESTERLY, RI — A Westerly man faces charges after police conducting a Sunday afternoon traffic stop say they seized 4 grams of hashish and a loaded 9mm handgun that was tucked into the man's waistband.
Richard Whyte, 56, was stopped by police on Rt. 1. In a report, a Westerly officer stated that he detected the strong odor of marijuana, and determined that Whyte's license and registration from Connecticut had expired. The officer said Whyte voluntarily relinquished a Kimber 9 KHX handgun with a bullet in the chamber and a full magazine. He added that the hammer was cocked back, that the gun was tucked into the man's pants, and that there was no holster.
Police Chief Shawn Lacey told The Westerly Sun that Whyte had previously acquired a license to carry in Connecticut with a 2023 expiration date, but did not obtain permits to carry in Rhode Island after moving to Westerly six months ago.
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Whyte was charged with possession of a controlled substance and failure to obtain a license or permit to carry. He was further cited for possessing a small amount of marijuana.
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