On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, officers assigned to District A-7 (East Boston) arrested Atiba Howard, 40, of Revere, for firearm offenses.
About 4:49 PM, officers were on patrol in the area of East Pier Drive when they observed a vehicle parked illegally along the waterfront. The vehicle was also seen to have a 2023 registration sticker. Officers conducted an inquiry of the vehicle which revealed that it had revoked insurance and was unregistered.
The vehicle was observed to now be traveling in the direction of Lewis Street. At this time, officers activated their marked cruiser’s emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop. Officers approached the vehicle and advised the occupants of the reason for the stop.
The operator told officers that the vehicle had just been purchased and showed a bill of sale from April. Officers advised the operator that the vehicle has one week after the sale to be registered and insured. The license plate that was attached to the vehicle did not belong to the vehicle that was stopped.
During the officers’ investigation, the front seat passenger was seen not wearing his seat belt and his license was requested. Officers determined that the passenger had an active warrant for his arrest out of Chelsea District Court for violation of motor vehicle laws.
An exit order was issued, and the passenger was placed into handcuffs. A search of the suspect was conducted, and a firearm was recovered from his backpack. District A-7 Detectives were requested to respond to the scene to process the evidence. The firearm was determined to be a TISI 911 with eight rounds in the magazine.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in East Boston District Court for the following charges:
– Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
– Carrying a Firearm without a License
– Possession of Ammunition without an FID card