New York City police arrested 16 people on gun-related charges during the Dominican Day Parade in the Bronx, including a 19-year-old who was allegedly carrying an assault-style rifle.
According to the New York Police Department, the suspect, identified as Maleek Drakeford, was charged with four counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities said the rifle had been altered, making it difficult to trace. Police have not said what his intentions were. All charges are allegations, and Drakeford is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The arrests took place during the 37th annual Dominican Day Parade and the celebrations that followed along Grand Concourse. Police said no shootings were reported during the event and that officers recovered 16 firearms.
Body camera footage released by the NYPD shows Drakeford attempting to flee before officers tackled him and recovered the rifle from a black bag he was carrying. Authorities said the arrest occurred around 9:17 p.m. near Tudor Place and Walton Avenue.
