A city boy was arrested with a semi-automatic handgun on North Main Street early Thursday evening, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
The boy, 16, has been charged with seven weapon and drug offenses, police said. Police spotted the boy with a group at the corner of North Main and Arch streets at around 7 p.m.
Detectives exited their vehicles to disperse the gathering. The boy tried to leave the group while concealing an item under his clothing. Police detained the boy. He was in possession of a semi-automatic handgun and 50 glassine envelopes of heroin.
The boy is being held at the Essex County Detention Center pending an initial court hearing. Police said the recovered weapon is being submitted to the New Jersey State Police laboratory for further examination.