Diligent Police Work in Charlestown Leads to Arrest and Seizure of Loaded Firearm

On Friday, June 13, 2025, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force arrested 18-year-old Alphy Vazquez of Charlestown on firearm-related charges at 89 Polk Street in Charlestown.

At approximately 8:32 PM, while patrolling the Bunker Hill Housing Development, officers observed a group smoking marijuana outside an apartment building at 89 Polk Street. The group had previously been advised by officers that such activity was prohibited. As officers pulled into the nearby parking lot at 97 Polk Street to monitor the group, one individual, later identified as Vazquez, broke away and walked toward an open doorway at 89 Polk Street. While doing so, officers observed him quickly tap his waistband in a manner consistent with a “security check,” a behavior commonly associated with individuals carrying firearms.

Recognizing this behavior, officers exited their vehicle to approach Vazquez. As they moved closer, the remaining members of the group froze and watched the officers intently. Inside the building, officers observed Vazquez frantically knocking on an apartment door. Upon seeing the officers, he began knocking more rapidly and with increased urgency.

Officers ordered Vazquez to show his hands. Instead, he clutched his waistband and bladed his stance away from officers, suggesting he was attempting to conceal or secure a weapon. A physical struggle ensued as officers worked to control Vazquez’s arms, which remained pinned to his waist. Vazquez violently resisted, sprawling to the ground and attempting to push away from officers while refusing to release his grip.

As the struggle continued, a crowd gathered around the officers. Despite repeated commands, Vazquez remained non-compliant. Additional officers were requested, and after deploying compliance techniques, officers were able to secure Vazquez in handcuffs. A search revealed a black Taurus G3 9mm firearm concealed in his waistband, loaded with one round in the chamber and a magazine containing sixteen additional rounds. The firearm’s serial number had been defaced.

Alphy Vazquez was placed under arrest and is expected to be arraigned in Charlestown District Court on the following charges:

• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawfully Carrying a Loaded Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
• Defaced Firearm Serial Number
• Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
• Resisting Arrest

During the incident, an officer’s cellphone was taken by a member of the crowd. After officers pleaded for its return, an anonymous individual returned the phone.