A 16-year-old Lewiston boy faces felony charges in what began as a police investigation of suspicious activity late Wednesday night.

Officers say they chased down the teenager who ran from them in the Walnut street area, and found him armed with two loaded guns.

He was initially arrested on misdemeanor charges, but now also faces felony Conspiracy to Commit Murder charges connected to a separate investigation.

The suspect was taken to the state youth detention center in South Portland, where he’s now being held.

Lewiston has been dealing with an outbreak of teenage gun violence in the past several months.

The 16-year old arrested Wednesday night faces the highest Class A felony charge, as well as lower misdemeanor charges for Carrying a Concealed Weapon and Refusing to Submit to Arrest.

Police say they found him with a loaded .45 caliber pistol, which had fallen from his waistband, and a loaded .380 pistol.

The suspect was arrested at about 10:30 pm Wednesday.