Police: Phila. Outlaws nabbed in R.I. on weapons counts

Three Philadelphia men -- alleged members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club -- were arrested in Rhode Island today following a traffic stop and charged with weapons counts, state police said.

Thomas Severns, 41, Andrew Forte, 26, and Andrew Niemiec, 21 were traveling on I-95 when troopers pulled their vehicle over for a moving violation, state police said. Troopers searched Severns, the driver of the vehicle, and discovered a 5-inch knife. As police continued their inspection of the vehicle, they seized a 9mm Taurus Millenium handgun, Capt. Dennis Fleming said in a statement.

Police charged Severns with possession of a handgun after being convicted of a crime of violence. He was also charged with failing to possess a license or permit for a pistol, and possession of a weapon other than a firearm. Severns was being held without bail at Hope Valley Barracks in Rhode Island.

Forte and Niemiec were charged with failing to possess a license or permit for carrying a pistol and having a loaded weapon in a vehicle. Both were being held at the state police barracks after each failed to post $5,000 bail.