Zac Efron's High School Musical co-star Justin Martin arrested in Boston after shootout with police

Published: 15:11 EST, 15 July 2015 | Updated: 16:11 EST, 15 July 2015

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Actor Justin Martin has been arrested after a shootout with police.

The 21-year-old, who starred alongside Zac Efron in High School Musical 3, is lucky to be alive after the gunfight on Tuesday night.

According to reports, at around 10.15pm Boston PD approached Martin and another male after spotting one of them carrying a handgun.

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In trouble: Actor Justin Martin has been arrested after a shootout with police

The two men fled and officers gave chase. TMZ claimed that Martin spun and pointed his weapon but did not fire, while the second suspect began shooting at police.

Cops returned fire, but nobody was hit.

When they managed to catch up to Martin he was arrested, and they recovered a .22 caliber pistol.

Under fire: The 21-year-old, who starred alongside Zac Efron in High School Musical 3, is lucky to be alive after the gunfight on Tuesday night

High School Musical's Justin Martin caught sleeping at party

Red handed: When Police managed to catch up to Martin, pictured here with the HSM cast including Vanessa Hudgens (R) he was arrested, and they recovered a .22 caliber pistol

Differing reports claim a second gun was found nearby after being tossed away; TMZ claims the second weapon was taken from the second suspect - a juvenille - who approached the officers while they were arresting Martin, armed with the firearm.

The Hollywood-based actor was booked for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and carrying a loaded firearm, and two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.

Martin's mother told TMZ she will try to bail him out after his court appearance Wednesday morning.

Following his arraignment, Martin plead not guilty to all counts; his bail was set at $35,000.

Accomplished: Martin has more than 20 film credits to his name, including playing Denzel Washington's son in the 2012 Oscar nominated Flight

The young actor has more than 20 film credits to his name, including playing Denzel Washington's son in the 2012 Oscar nominated Flight.

A talented musician, he also played the younger version of Jamie Foxx in 2009's The Soloist, for which he learned to play the cello.

He has appeared in episodes of Malcolm In The Middle, Judging Amy and Blue Bloods, but one of his most recognizable roles was as one of the new Wildcat sophomores, Donnie Dion, in High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

Wasted gifts? The talented musician also played the younger version of Jamie Foxx in 2009's The Soloist, for which he learned to play the cello

He also has impressive stage credits, playing young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King for a year.

Although no officers or suspects were hurt in Tuesday night's shootout, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said it was a close call.

'Our officers put their life on the line every night, and it's just way too many guns out there,' he told 7 News. 'I think we have appealed to the public to help us here, and tonight exhibits the challenge we face nightly out here on the streets.'