Two juveniles sitting in a car listening to music on Camden Street and an 18-year-old Lawrence man are discussed in connection with a reported incident last Friday night.
According to the Methuen Police Department, officers were dispatched to Camden Street on September 11 after receiving a report about an incident involving juveniles inside the vehicle. Camden Street has a Methuen address; Realtor.com labels the neighborhood as Arlington in Lawrence, Massachusetts, per Realtor.com.
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old John Morales Jr. of Lawrence. Police Magazine discusses the relative visibility of green and red lasers.
The Case Against an 18-Year-Old
The article describes multiple allegations against Morales.
The article discusses whether Morales's age affected his eligibility to possess the handgun, but the available materials do not establish the applicable licensing outcome. That means the materials do not establish whether Morales was legally eligible to possess the Glock.
The article also discusses the legal consequences of a defaced firearm. Separately, carrying a firearm outside one's home or business without a valid Massachusetts license under M.G.L. c. 269 § 10(a) comes with a mandatory minimum of 18 months in a house of correction, with exposure up to five years in state prison, according to the Law Office of Peter Cole — a minimum judges cannot waive upon conviction.
Broader Discussion of Untraceable Weapons
The case is presented in the article alongside a broader discussion of untraceable weapons. The article also discusses state rules concerning recovered crime guns.
The article mentions Methuen in relation to firearms. The available materials do not establish details of any other Methuen incidents.
Department Account of the Arrest
The arrest is the focus of the department's account. The available account does not detail the department's leadership history or recent changes.
The available account provides no details about any second individual or a possible connection between the firearm and prior crimes. As with any criminal case, Morales and any other individuals involved are presumed innocent unless and until their cases are resolved in court.
