The police Armed Response Team recently charged an 18-year-old high school student with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, police said last Thursday.
Brandon Benjamin, of Belle Vue, was apprehended while attempting to flee on a motor scooter in the Fort Hill area, according to the Police Information Office.
Police did not provide the date or other details about the arrest, and they did not say which high school Mr. Benjamin attends.
They did, however, say he would appear before the Magistrates’ Court at its next available sitting.
“His arrest is as a result of increased patrols conducted by the Armed Response Team to reduce crime opportunities and enhance police visibility and safety within the communities,” the PIO stated in a press release. “Reports this week were made of shots fired in the Spooners Estate, Gene Hill and … Mount Healthy [areas]. A number of spent shells were also recovered.”
Police are asking the public for information about anyone illegally in possession of a firearm. Contact the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477.