BOSTON, Aug. 21, 2012 – A tip from a civilian eyewitness allowed Revere police to seize an illegal firearm and charge its alleged owner with gun and ammunition charges, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said today.

VLADIMIR VALDERRAMA (D.O.B. 2/5/89) of Chelsea was arraigned yesterday in Chelsea District Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm. Valderrama was also charged with disorderly conduct and violating a Revere city ordinance against carrying a knife.

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Miller requested $20,000 bail. Judge Benjamin Barnes set bail at $500.

At 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Revere police were called to the post office at 300 Broadway for a report of 12 to 15 young people knocking over mailboxes. When officers approached the group at a nearby bus stop, Valderrama allegedly ran, forcing drivers on Broadway to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting him.

Police chasing Valderrama saw him run around a parked Audi on Pleasant Street before walking back into the street where he was arrested. During a pat down, police found a black folding knife clipped to his right front pocket.

A witness then approached police, informing them that Valderrama had dropped something between the Audi and the sidewalk. Police were able to recover a 9mm semi-automatic Sig Sauer handgun by the curb. The firearm was loaded with six rounds of hollow point ammunition.

“The city of Revere is a little safer today because an ordinary person was not afraid to speak out,” Conley said. “This witness has helped protect the entire community by getting one more illegal gun off the streets.”

Prosecutors successfully moved for a protective order to keep the witness’s identity and personal information secret.

Valderrama will return to court on Oct. 10 with defense attorney Charlie Jordan.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.