BOSTON — An 18-year-old Charlestown man was arrested on firearm-related charges Friday evening after police observed him making what they described as a “security check” of his waistband while patrolling a housing development.
Alphy Vazquez was taken into custody at 89 Polk Street in Charlestown at approximately 8:32 p.m., according to the Boston Police Department.
Officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force were patrolling the Bunker Hill Housing Development when they observed a group smoking marijuana outside an apartment building.
The group had previously been advised by officers that such activity was prohibited.
As officers pulled into a nearby parking lot at 97 Polk Street to monitor the group, Vazquez broke away and walked toward an open doorway at 89 Polk Street.
Officers observed him quickly tap his waistband in a manner they described as consistent with a “security check,” a behavior commonly associated with individuals carrying firearms.
Officers exited their vehicle to approach Vazquez, who was observed frantically knocking on an apartment door inside the building.
Upon seeing the officers, he began knocking more rapidly and with increased urgency.
Officers ordered Vazquez to show his hands, but he clutched his waistband and positioned his stance away from officers.
A physical struggle ensued as officers worked to control Vazquez’s arms, which remained pinned to his waist.
Vazquez resisted, sprawling to the ground and attempting to push away from officers while refusing to release his grip.
A crowd gathered around the officers during the struggle.
After additional officers arrived and compliance techniques were deployed, officers secured Vazquez in handcuffs.
A search revealed a black Taurus G3 9mm firearm concealed in his waistband, loaded with one round in the chamber and a magazine containing 16 additional rounds.
The firearm’s serial number had been defaced.
Vazquez is expected to be arraigned in Charlestown District Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, defaced firearm serial number, possession of a large capacity firearm and resisting arrest.
During the incident, an officer’s cellphone was taken by a member of the crowd but was later returned anonymously after officers requested its return.
