A boy from Elmwood Park was arrested in Paterson on Friday night allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun, according to public safety director Jerry Speziale.
Detectives observed the 16-year-old in front of a residence on Godwin Avenue near Summer Street, scene of several recent shooting incidents, at around 10 p.m. He quickly hid from police by getting into an alleyway between two houses.
Police said he tried to hide in a doorway within the alley. He was ordered to step out, but ran through a backyard onto 12th Avenue. Detectives chased him on 12th Avenue towards Carroll Street. He allegedly discarded a fanny pack under a parked vehicle outside 50 12th Avenue and laid down on the pavement.
Police placed him under arrest. His fanny pack contained a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, police said. He was charged with weapons offenses. He was processed and taken to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court hearing.