Violent Struggle Yields Arrest, Gun Seizure

One more illegal gun is off the streets after Boston Police arrested a Charlestown man reportedly walking down the street with a gun.

John Silva, 22, of Charlestown, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession with intent to distribute a class B drug (crack cocaine), a drug school zone violation, and resisting arrest.

Police approached Silva in the area of 106 Bunker Hill St. at about 8:40 p.m. Sunday, after receiving reports of a man fitting his description — a light-skinned black male, about 6’3” and wearing a thin red jacket over a black jacket with tan pants — carrying a firearm down the street.

As officers approached him, Silva immediately put his hands in his pockets and attempted to run. After a violent struggle, officers were able to get him under control and place him under arrest. A search revealed a loaded silver Ruger Security-Six .357 Magnum from inside the Silva’s inner jacket pocket, and two bags of crack cocaine, police said.