On Friday, June 13, 2025, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force arrested 18-year-old Alphy Vazquez of Charlestown on firearm-related charges at 89 Polk Street in Charlestown.
At approximately 8:32 PM, while patrolling the Bunker Hill Housing Development, officers observed a group smoking marijuana outside an apartment building at 89 Polk Street. The group had previously been advised by officers that such activity was prohibited. As officers pulled into the nearby parking lot at 97 Polk Street to monitor the group, one individual, later identified as Vazquez, broke away and walked toward an open doorway at 89 Polk Street. While doing so, officers observed him quickly tap his waistband in a manner consistent with a “security check,” a behavior commonly associated with individuals carrying firearms.
Recognizing this behavior, officers exited their vehicle to approach Vazquez. As they moved closer, the remaining members of the group froze and watched the officers intently. Inside the building, officers observed Vazquez frantically knocking on an apartment door. Upon seeing the officers, he began knocking more rapidly and with increased urgency…