RUMFORD — A 16-year-old boy from Mexico was arrested on drug trafficking and firearm charges Wednesday after a brush with police shortly after midnight on Lincoln Avenue.

Rumford police said the department’s K-9 team encountered the juvenile walking on Lincoln Avenue “acting suspiciously.” When the officer and K-9 Niko stopped the boy to investigate, the officer determined he possessed methamphetamine, according to information from Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan.

While attempting to secure the drugs, the juvenile disobeyed the officer’s orders and reached into his pocket and grabbed a loaded 9 mm pistol he was concealing, according to Milligan. The officer and another who arrived at the scene secured the firearm before the juvenile removed it from his pocket, Milligan said.

A small amount of methamphetamine and prescription Gabapentin tablets were seized from the juvenile, he said.

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizures.

The teen was arrested and charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs, unlawful possession of scheduled drugs and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

He was taken to the Rumford Police Department and later released by the state juvenile community corrections officer to his parent.

Milligan said the case will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office to determine if additional charges are warranted.

“I credit the officers involved for their vigilance, quick actions and training to keep our community safe. This was a situation that could have easily ended tragically for the officers or the teenage suspect,” Milligan said.

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