At about 7:01 PM, on Thursday, August 17, 2023, officers assigned to District A-7 (East Boston) arrested Melvyn Najarro, 22, of Chelsea, on firearm related charges.
Officers were on patrol in the area of 459 Meridian Street when they observed a motor vehicle fail to yield causing officers to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop.
Officers made contact with the five occupants in the motor vehicle and determined that the driver did not have a license to operate a motor vehicle. As officers placed the suspect into handcuffs, they observed a rear passenger attempting to adjust an object in his pocket.
Officers requested the remaining four occupants to exit the vehicle, and their attention was drawn to one passenger who turned away from them. Officers conducted a pat frisk of the suspect and recovered a firearm from his waistband. The firearm was later determined to be a Glock 43 with six rounds in the magazine. Officers also recovered a large plastic bag of marijuana and $3,787 in US Currency. The other occupants were promptly released.
Najarro was placed under arrest and charged with; Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D. He is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court.
Jareth Maldonado, 22, of Chelsea was arrested and charged with; Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of Class D. He is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court.