BOSTON — Police arrested a 21-year-old Brighton man on multiple firearm charges Wednesday night after he allegedly discarded a loaded gun while fleeing officers near Almont Park.
Joshua Villar-Diaz was taken into custody around 9:21 p.m. after officers on patrol in the Mattapan area observed about 20 people congregating on Orlando Street, according to the Boston Police Department.
Officers initially spoke with the group and left the area, but returned after a sergeant detective reported that two individuals who had walked into the park came back onto the street.
When officers returned to disperse the crowd, the group became hostile toward police, authorities said.
One individual walked into the park, and officers followed as he continuously looked back at their location.
The suspect then ran at full speed, prompting a foot pursuit, police said.
Officers radioed that the suspect was clutching his waistband during the chase.
Police on the other side of the park observed the suspect running toward them while holding his waistband and drew their firearms, ordering him to stop.
The suspect pulled an item from his waistband and threw it aside before putting his hands up, according to police.
Officers recovered a discarded Glock 43 with one round in the chamber and nine rounds in the magazine next to the suspect.
As officers handcuffed Villar-Diaz, they were alerted that the crowd on Orlando Street was attempting to surround them.
Officers from various districts responded to help disperse the crowd, with multiple members threatening physical harm to police, authorities said.
After order was restored, officers discovered that a police cruiser had been vandalized.
A cinder block was thrown through the rear windshield and the rear driver’s side tire was slashed, police said.
Villar-Diaz is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges including carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and firearm violation with two prior violent or drug crimes.
