Newton teen arrested after allegedly dropping loaded handgun on MBTA Green Line

By Melissa M. Werthmann, Globe Correspondent

A 16-year-old Newton boy who brought a loaded semiautomatic handgun onto an MBTA Green Line train is facing charges, along with three other individuals, Newton police said.

Police were notified that a witness riding Wednesday night on the outbound train saw a male drop the handgun on the floor of the car.

The male who dropped the gun picked it up and exited the train with another male at Newton Center Station. Officers responded to Union Street in Newton just before 7 p.m. and saw four males fleeing the area, police said.

An officer chasing the 16-year-old boy allegedly saw him reach into his waistband and discard the small gun in a bush, police said. Officers stopped the boy on Chesley Road and recovered the gun, police said.

Three other suspects were also arrested, including Joseph German, 18, William Martin, 18, and a 15-year-old, all of Newton, police said.

The juveniles are facing numerous firearm and ammunition charges as well as charges of conspiracy to violate drug laws, police said. The 15-year-old is also charged with possession of a dangerous weapon for having a knife, police said.

German and Martin are charged with possession of a Class C substance with intent to distribute and conspiracy, police said.

“The Newton Police Department is very proud of the excellent work and dedication of its officers in apprehending all four individuals,” police said in the statement.