Two Malden teens charged in connection with patrol rifle stolen from State Police cruiser

Suspects, ages 14 and 15, allegedly broke into locked vehicle and heisted firearm and ammo

  Two Malden teenagers were arrested over this past weekend in connection with the theft of a rifle stolen out of a Massachusetts State Police trooper’s cruiser, according to reports. The rifle and other stolen items, including a high-capacity magazine and a supply of ammunition, were recovered on Sunday, after an investigation by Mass. State Police.

  Two Malden teens, identified only by their ages, 14 and 15, allegedly entered a parking garage of the Overlook Apartments located on the Malden-Revere city line, broke into a marked Mass. State Police SUV, then gained access to another lock mechanism securing the firearm. They then heisted a patrol rifle, high-capacity magazine and ammunition, according to a statement from the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. The theft occurred around 1 a.m. early Thursday morning, March 23, according to reports. According to sources, the two suspects were both male teens and residents of Malden.

  The rifle and other items were found on March 26 at a Malden home connected to the 15-year-old, Ryan’s office said. State police said there was no evidence that the rifle was used in a subsequent crime.

  The 14-year-old, who investigators believe took the rifle, was charged with breaking and entering a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime. The 15-year-old, whose home is where the rifle and other stolen items were found, was charged with breaking and entering a vehicle in the nighttime to commit a felony, larceny of a firearm and conspiracy to commit a crime.

  The investigation is ongoing, according to DA Ryan’s office. Both suspects were arraigned at Cambridge Juvenile Court on Tuesday. No additional information, including the results of the arraignment, was able to be released.