22-year-old Jeremy Torres was arrested with a loaded handgun by two perceptive police officers on patrol of Market Street on Saturday afternoon, said police director Jerry Speziale.

Police officers Jonathan Bustios and Carmen Rodriguez were on patrol at about 1:20 p.m. on Market and Seeley Streets. Torres was standing outside 428 Market Street. As the marked police car passed by Torres suspiciously turned away.

Bustios and Rodriguez exited their interceptor and ordered Torres to stop. A visibly nervous Torres reached into his waistband and walked away from the officers.

Torres was ordered to stop again, he refused, and threw a loaded Jennings .22 caliber handgun on to the pavement.

Bustios and Rodriguez drew their weapon forcing Torres to stop. He was arrested without incident, said the director.

Torres was taken to headquarters, processed, and charged with gun possession.

“Once again, alert officers removed another weapon from our streets,” said Speziale. “The tireless efforts of the officers in pursuit of making a safer city are commendable.”