SYRACUSE, Ny – Police in Syracuse have made an arrest after a fleeing suspect ditched his fanny pack with a loaded gun.
According to police, on Wednesday, at around 8:34 P.M., Officers were proactively patrolling the area in and around the 200 block of N. Geddes Street. This area has seen a notable increase in violent crime, mainly gun crime.
“Officers observed a suspicious party in the area who appeared to be armed. The individual’s actions also violated several local law statutes,” the department said. “Officers approached the male and attempted to make contact. The suspect refused orders to stop and fled on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued to the 300 block of Richmond Avenue.”
According to police, at one point during the chase, the suspect removed a fanny pack he was wearing and threw it onto the roof of a residence. After this, the suspect was quickly detained.
A search of the roof revealed the discarded fanny pack with a loaded, untraceable Polymer 80 handgun inside. There were also illegal drugs found inside the bag.
After detaining the suspect, police learned he was just 15 years old. Things got worse from there.
“As Officers were investigating this scene, trying to collect evidence and process the location, a large irate group started to form. Several group members began to verbally conflict with the Officers, including profanity, verbal threats, and name calling. The hostility continued to escalate to the point where crime scene tape had to be set up to keep people out,” the SPD said. “One male, Christopher Alvarado, 28,
At around the same time, another male, Merrick Correa, 18, became physical with an Officer during the call. Correa also resisted arrest but was eventually taken into custody as well. Correa was arrested and released on an appearance ticket.
“This was a chaotic and volatile scene. Although citizens are well within their rights to observe and record officers in the course of their duties, violent actions toward the Officers will not be tolerated. Great work, Officers, in getting another illegally possessed handgun off our streets,” the Syracuse Police Department said in a statement today.