A teenager was arrested on multiple weapons and drug charges in Pepperell, Massachusetts on Saturday.
According to Pepperell police chief David Scott, 19-year-old Pepperell man Francis Banister's first interaction with police was around 3:00 a.m. after he was found with a gunshot wound in his leg.
Banister, who was treated at a local hospital, initially told police that he was walking down Leighton Street when a white vehicle drove by him and opened fire.
Upon investigating and discovering that a bullet had been fired through a resident's wall in an apartment complex on Leighton Street, police concluded that Banister's wound was actually obtained while visiting a friend's apartment.
Police said that Banister's injury was self-inflicted, and they seized firearms and parts from his friend's residence. They also searched Banister's home, where they seized more gun paraphernalia as well as multiple illegal drugs.
“This is a prime example of why firearms should never be in the hands of unlicensed individuals,” said Scott. “I’m thankful that nobody else was injured.”
Banister eventually turned himself in and is being held without bail pending a Monday arraignment in Ayer District Court.
