Marijuana as a gateway drug - to loaded guns

Boston Police report that when officers on patrol around 10:30 yesterday spotted a parked car with its lights on and the motor running at Jerome and Everett streets in Dorchester, "officers looked into the car and observed two individuals smoking what looked to be marijuana."

In fact, police say, the officers spotted one of the guys apparently in the process of rolling a marijuana cigarette:

When officers knocked on the window, one of the occupants rolled down his window. When asked what they were doing, one of the occupants stated, "We are just smoking some weed." While questioning the occupants, officers observed a silver-colored firearm inside the vehicle. Upon seeing the firearm, officers promptly instructed the occupants to exit the vehicle. With the car vacated, officers took possession of the firearm.

Skinner Markeese, 22, was then charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of a loaded weapon on a public way. The car's driver was issued a citation for the unlawful possession of marijuana.

Innocent, etc.