LOWELL — An investigation into gunshots fired Downtown during the early morning hours Friday led to the arrest of two Lowell men and the discovery of a loaded handgun and illegal narcotics, police said.
Elvin Alvarez, 27, and Eriberto Ogando, 21, were arrested in connection with the shooting that took place in the area of Market and Shattuck streets, according to a Lowell Police Department press release.
Police said the handgun was fired into the air — allegedly by Alvarez — and no injuries or damage have been reported from the gunshots.
According to police, they were dealing with “an unruly group” in the area of Middle Street and City Avenue at around 1:50 a.m. Friday when they heard the sound of gunshots nearby.
While investigating the origin of the gunfire, police said officers were alerted to a vehicle speeding away on Market Street that was occupied by the alleged gunman.
Police said the driver of the vehicle failed to stop for marked cruisers that had their blue lights activated, and drove into the Leo A. Roy Parking Facility at 100 Market St.
The operator of the vehicle — later identified as Alvarez — allegedly got out of the vehicle and fled from officers on foot into the parking garage. Police said he jumped from the garage onto Canal Way and continued to run across Central Street before he was apprehended by officers in the area of Canal Way and Prescott Street.
Police said the passenger of the suspect vehicle — who was identified as Ogando — remained with the vehicle in the garage.
A loaded handgun and drugs were allegedly uncovered inside the vehicle, according to police.
Police charged both Alvarez and Ogando with carrying a firearm while loaded, as well as other weapon and drug offenses. Alvarez was additionally charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, resisting arrest and operating a motor vehicle after license suspension.
Both men were arraigned in Lowell District Court on Friday. The outcome of their arraignments were not immediately available.
“I want to commend our officers for their immediate and brave response to the sounds of gunfire,” said Interim Police Superintendent Barry Golner said in the press release. “Their swift, professional police work got a gun off the street and ended this dangerous situation without injury to any members of the public.”
Follow Aaron Curtis on Twitter @aselahcurtis
