LEWISTON — A 16-year-old was arrested Wednesday after investigators say they found two handguns on the teen as he tried to flee from police.

Police say the teen is also one of the conspirators who opened fire on an apartment house earlier in the month.

The teen was taken to Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and refusing to submit to arrest.

He was also charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the early June barrage of gunfire on Pierce Street. Three other teens were previously arrested on the same charge in connection with that shooting.

More recently, police said they were investigating suspicious activity on Walnut Street Wednesday morning when the 16-year-old attempted to flee from them.

“The officers chased the suspect and were able to quickly apprehend him,” according to a police news release. “As the officers caught him, a .45-caliber pistol fell from the suspect’s waistband.”

A later search of the suspect also revealed a .380-caliber handgun, police said. Both firearms were fully loaded.

The teen was not identified because of his juvenile status. He was one of roughly a dozen teens arrested since late winter as police attempt to bring a spate of juvenile violence under control.

“I applaud the Lewiston Police Department’s efforts and their remarkable success in taking a large number of guns off our streets recently,” Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said.

“My message to Lewiston parents remains the same,” Sheline said. “If you don’t know where your children are and who they are with, that’s a problem. If you need help and resources, please contact the individuals and organizations you know and trust. It will take our entire community working together with parents to reduce youth violence in our city.”