SOUTHBRIDGE – A Facebook Live video on Tuesday morning, July 28, led to the arrest of Eliezer Rivera Jr., 19, of Southbridge, who faces several firearms charges.
Southbridge Police received several anonymous tips around 11:30 AM about a Facebook Live video of Rivera displaying three handguns.
Officers are previously aware of Rivera and identified him from the video. Detectives also launched an investigation as Rivera had an outstanding warrant.
Shortly before 3 PM officers reported seeing Rivera enter a home on Hamilton St. and exit a short time later.
As investigators moved in to arrest Rivera on the outstanding warrant, he fled and attempted to hide his backpack under a parked car.
Police arrested Rivera after a short pursuit.
Rivera’s backpack included a loaded Ruger .380 handgun along with several rounds of ammunition.
Along with the warrant, Rivera is facing charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License and Improper Storage of a Firearm Near a Minor.
Rivera was held without bail pending arraignment.
