Reading Police Arrest Teen On Firearm, Stolen Vehicle Charges

READING - The Reading Police Department arrested a Charlestown teenager Saturday evening on several charges following a hit and run crash and pursuit earlier in the evening according to Deputy Chief David Clark.

At 6:45 p.m., Reading Police were dispatched to a report of a hit and run crash at the intersection of Haverhill and Franklin Streets. Upon arrival, officers initiated an investigation after being provided with the registration number of the vehicle that left the scene. Police later learned that the vehicle was reported stolen last night.

A short time later, the vehicle, driven by the teen, passed near the scene of the crash and fled when officers subsequently pursued the vehicle. The teen fled into North Reading, eventually turning onto a dead end street - Liberty Lane - where he was taken into custody without further incident.

During a search of the vehicle following his arrest, officers located a backpack inside the car bearing his name. A black handgun and a large capacity feeding device were among the backpack's contents.

The 16-year-old male was arrested and charged with:

• Carrying a Firearm Without a License
• Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
• Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card
• Receiving Stolen Property (Motor Vehicle)
• Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
• Operating Without a License
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident With Property Damage
• Operating to Endanger
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Failure to Stop
• Violation of the Marijuana Bylaw (Less than One Ounce)

"This was a potentially dangerous situation, and our officers did a tremendous job by preventing it from escalating further and taking a firearm off of our streets," Deputy Chief Clark said.

There were no injuries as a result of the incident.

The teenager is being held on $100,000 bail pending his arraignment in Woburn District Court.