City police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in what court documents describe as a gang-initiation killing in Northwest Baltimore.

Desmond Sims of the 3800 block of Boarman Ave. has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the Dec. 29, 2009, killing of 19-year-old Jeffery Ward Jr. in the 3800 block of Oakford Ave.

Police said they located a witness to the shooting who identified Sims, also known as "Dazy," as the shooter. According to police, their investigation revealed that Sims shot Ward numerous times using a .45-caliber handgun, and that the killing was part of a gang initiation.

Charging documents show that detectives questioned Sims in the presence of his mother and father, and he denied any involvement in the killing. He also denied that his nickname was "Dazy," though his mother confirmed that as his nickname.

Ward was found at about 9:15 p.m., lying on his stomach and suffering from gunshot wounds to the head. Police recovered seven .45-caliber shell casings, among other items, at the scene.