A city teen was arrested in possession of heroin and a loaded handgun after a chase through North 6th Street on Tuesday, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
The suspect, 17-year-old, allegedly had 170 glassine envelopes of heroin, 8 baggies of marijuana, a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and a high capacity magazine, police said.
Police were responding to report of a group of males assaulting two others on Haledon Avenue and North 4th Street at around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday. They were told one of the males was armed.
Detectives observed four males on Jefferson and North 5th streets. They approached the group to investigate. As they exited their vehicle, one person handed a clear plastic bag to another and told him, “Run.”
Police began to chase the running suspect through North 6th Street towards Clinton Street. The running 17-year-old suspect discarded drugs and ran through yards on North 4th Street. He was ultimately arrested at 70 North 3rd Street.
The suspect had drugs and the gun in his possession. He is processed and is being held at the Essex County Detention Center pending a court hearing.