Suspect Arrested on Firearm Charges in Boston

20-year-old Maleeak Effee apprehended with loaded, defaced Glock 33 handgun

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a defaced handgun magazine, the metal surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the recovery of an illegal firearm from a suspect.The recovery of a defaced handgun from a repeat offender highlights the ongoing challenges Boston faces in addressing illegal firearm possession and gun violence.Boston Today

Boston police officers arrested a 20-year-old man, Maleeak Effee, on Monday night in the Mattapan neighborhood after he was observed reaching into his waistband and fleeing from officers. Effee was found to be in possession of a loaded Glock 33 handgun with a defaced serial number, and he also had three outstanding warrants for previous firearm offenses, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of ammunition.

Why it matters

Illegal firearm possession and use continues to be a major public safety concern in Boston, with the city seeing an uptick in gun violence in recent years. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to get illegal guns off the streets and apprehend repeat offenders who pose a threat to the community.

The details

According to police, officers were patrolling the Marcella Park area when they observed a group loitering outside a market. The group noticed the officers and went inside the market to avoid interaction. As Effee exited the market, he began running while reaching into his waistband. He was apprehended nearby, and a loaded Glock 33 handgun with a defaced serial number was recovered from the area where he was arrested.

  • The incident occurred around 9:57 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • Effee is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court.

The players

Maleeak Effee

A 20-year-old Boston resident who was arrested on firearm charges and had three outstanding warrants, including for previous firearm offenses, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of ammunition.

Boston Police Department

The law enforcement agency that apprehended Effee and recovered the loaded, defaced handgun he was carrying.

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What they’re saying

“Illegal firearm possession and use continues to be a major public safety concern in Boston, with the city seeing an uptick in gun violence in recent years.”

— Boston Police Department

What’s next

Effee is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and defacement of a firearm serial number.

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Boston law enforcement to address the issue of illegal firearms and repeat offenders who pose a threat to public safety in the city. The recovery of the defaced handgun and Effee's prior criminal history underscore the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between police and the community to address gun violence.