MEDFORD — A routine traffic stop turned tense Tuesday night when Medford police apprehended two individuals after uncovering an illegal firearm in their vehicle.
The incident began around 7:30 p.m. when a Medford officer spotted a car traveling the wrong way on City Hall Mall in Medford Square.
Upon stopping the vehicle, backup officers arrived and one sergeant noticed a light that appeared to be mounted on a firearm near the back seat passenger.
Fearing the presence of a weapon, police ordered the three car occupants to exit.
As the driver attempted to flee, defying police commands, officers were able to remove one passenger from the car.
A struggle ensued when this individual, a 17-year-old from Belmont, tried to retrieve a gun from his waistband.
Officers subdued him and secured the firearm, which was later identified as a “ghost gun” — an unregistered and untraceable weapon.
In the process, an officer sustained minor injuries.
The adolescent was arrested and faces multiple charges, including possession of a large capacity firearm and resisting arrest.
Additionally, 20-year-old Alex Paul from Cambridge was taken into custody.
His charges include failing to stop for police and resisting arrest.
Paul is slated for arraignment in Somerville District Court, while the juvenile’s hearing will be held at Cambridge Juvenile Court on a later date.
