Cops: Quincy man loses loaded handgun at playground

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – A Quincy man has been charged for allegedly using the bushes of a Boston playground to stash his loaded handgun which is now missing.

John T. Murrett, 26, was arraigned in the Boston Municipal Court Tuesday morning on one count of improper storage of a firearm. Prosecutors recommended bail of $500.  He was released on his own recognizance.

According to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley, the charge stems from an incident in Boston's Theater District on Saturday night, when Murrett allegedly tried to enter Club Royale with his legally-owned and properly licensed semi-automatic handgun.

Club security personnel told Murrett that firearms were forbidden on the premises.

Murrett then allegedly walked a few blocks north on Tremont Street and placed the firearm under a bush at a nearby playground, then returned to the club and was allowed inside.

About three hours later, just after 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Murrett returned to the front door and asked the security personnel if anyone had turned in a firearm. He allegedly stated to the staff that it had been stolen from his car.

However, when club personnel called Boston Police, Murrett allegedly told them that he had in fact hidden it in the bushes and that it was no longer there.

Boston Police immediately began searching the area for the firearm, but were unsuccessful in locating the handgun.

Murrett was placed under arrest.  Police seized his license to carry the firearm.

Cox Media Group