Abington, MA – On Wednesday morning, officers responding to a report of a male with a gun at the Walmart on Route 123 encountered a 17‑year‑old suspect who fled the scene as police arrived. While running, the teen’s loaded firearm slipped from his waistband and hit the concrete floor.
Police response and arrest
Witnesses alerted the Abington Police Department to a young man carrying a weapon inside the store. When officers arrived, the suspect bolted toward the parking lot. During the chase, the gun fell out of his waistband, according to the department’s statement. The teen attempted to retrieve the weapon but was unable to do so before officers secured the area.
Detectives recovered the firearm, a loaded handgun, and placed the suspect under arrest without bail. He was transported to the Norfolk County Jail, where he remains pending a formal arraignment.
Charges and legal process
The district attorney’s office has indicated that the teen will face several charges, including illegal possession of a firearm by a minor. Additional charges may be filed depending on the outcome of the investigation, which is ongoing.
Under Massachusetts law, unlawful possession of a firearm by a person under 18 carries significant penalties, including potential incarceration and mandatory counseling. The suspect’s legal counsel has not yet been identified.
Community reaction
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, noting that the presence of a loaded gun in a family‑friendly shopping center is alarming. Community leaders emphasized the importance of vigilant law‑enforcement presence and urged parents to discuss safety and responsibility with their children.
“We want to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe for families,” said Abington Police Chief Michael O’Connor. “This swift action demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public and holding those who break the law accountable.”
Police department statement
The Abington Police Department released a brief statement confirming the arrest and reiterating its dedication to rapid response in potentially dangerous situations. The department also reminded the public to report any suspicious activity promptly.
“Our officers are trained to act decisively when public safety is at risk,” the statement read. “We encourage anyone with information about similar incidents to contact us immediately.”
Next steps
The teen is scheduled for arraignment later this week, where a judge will determine bail conditions and set a trial date. The district attorney’s office will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s presence and the suspect’s background.
Authorities have not disclosed whether the weapon was legally owned or if it was linked to any broader criminal activity. The investigation remains open, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
