2 Teens Charged After Police Recover Loaded Ghost Gun During Mattapan Moped Investigation

A ghost gun is an untraceable and unserialized firearm that people assemble at home using separate parts.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Jul 30, 2026 5:39 PM EDT

BOSTON, MA — Two Dorchester teenagers are facing charges after Boston Police recovered a loaded ghost gun during a moped investigation in Mattapan.

A 17-year-old and a 16-year-old were arrested at approximately 5:45 p.m. Wednesday. Officers were stopped at a red light at Blue Hill Avenue and Morton Street when they noticed a black moped occupied by two juveniles who were wearing masks and not wearing helmets, according to police. The moped did not have a registration plate, and officers allegedly saw it drive onto the sidewalk on Frontenac Street.

Police followed the moped onto Frontenac Street to conduct a traffic stop and found both juveniles off the vehicle, attempting to repair a mechanical issue. As officers approached, the 17-year-old allegedly clutched his waistband and ran. Officers caught him a few feet away and placed him in handcuffs.

After the arrest, officers saw the handle of a firearm with an extended magazine protruding from the 17-year-old's waistband, police said. Investigators later identified the weapon as a black-and-gold semi-automatic polymer ghost gun loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.

The moped was missing its front panel, had loose and exposed wiring, and did not have an ignition, according to police. A records check found no registration status on file for the vehicle, and officers determined the 16-year-old did not have a valid driver's license.

The 17-year-old is expected to face charges including carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a large capacity firearm, and possession of a covert or undetectable firearm. The 16-year-old is expected to face charges including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a helmet violation. Both are expected to be arraigned in Boston Juvenile Court.