Teen Found Sleeping with Gun in Boston Schoolyard: Police

BOSTON, MA — A teenager was arrested outside Oliver Wendell Holmes Elementary School early Wednesday morning after police say they found him sleeping on the playground with a loaded gun tucked under his arm.

According to the Boston Police Department, officers arrived at the school about 5:56 a.m., after being called to investigate. They found 18-year-old Rodney Cooper, of Dorchester, asleep on his back with the firearm.

As police reported, "Fearing for their safety, the officers quickly removed the gun from under the suspects arm area and woke him up. The suspect became startled and attempted to get up and struggled briefly with the officers. Officers quickly gained control of the suspect and secured him with handcuffs for safety."

Police reportedly found a black ski mask and two digital scales in Cooper's backpack, but no license to carry.

He was subsequently arrested, and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public, Trespassing and Firearm on School Property.

He will be arraigned in Dorchester Court.

>> Photo via Boston Police Department