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Hampden County, MA

Legendary Mass Rocker Dead At 56 Legendary Mass Rocker Dead At 56
Legendary Mass Rocker Dead At 56 Jon Wysocki, a founding member and former drummer of the band Staind died over the weekend at 56.  The Massachusetts native was born in Hampden County, where he would later meet the other members of the five-times-platinum group.  He died on Saturday, March 18, due to complications with his liver, Variety reported.  The band announced his death on social media.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Staind (@staindofficial) According to Variety, Wysocki was born in Westfield and would later go on to meet the…
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass
Police ID Man Who Stole Car With Baby Inside In Western Mass Police have identified the man who sparked a statewide Amber Alert when he stole a vehicle in Western Massachusetts, on Friday morning, March 29, that had a 3-year-old baby inside.  Vadim Vorobyov, age 52, of Springfield, is charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and fugitive from justice in Connecticut and is also expected to be charged with kidnapping, child endangerment, and motor vehicle larceny in Massachusetts, State Police said.  Vorobyov stole the running car when he came across it outside of a home on Exchange Street in Chicopee around 8:40 a.m., police said. T…
Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction On CT Highway Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction On CT Highway
Man Charged With DUI While Driving Wrong Direction On CT Highway A Blink alert that a vehicle was driving in the wrong direction on a busy CT highway led to the arrest of a man found in his Nissan Altima stuck in the mud and allegedly driving under the influence. The incident occurred in Hartford County on I-91 northbound around  10:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, in Windsor near the exit 35 off-ramp. On scene, Connecticut State Troopers reported they found Hampden County, Massachusetts resident Ian Daniel Britt, age 24, of Springfield, stuck in the muddy right shoulder of the highway. An investigation revealed that Britt had driven the wrong…
29-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Plane Crash Remembered As ‘Bright Shining Light’ 29-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Plane Crash Remembered As ‘Bright Shining Light’
29-Year-Old CT Man Killed In Plane Crash Remembered As ‘Bright Shining Light’ Friends and colleagues are reminiscing on the bright personality of a 29-year-old student pilot from Connecticut who was one of three who died in a small plane crash in northern Massachusetts, after his tragic death.   Chad Davidson, age 29, of the town of Woodstock in Windham County, was killed alongside a pair of Western Massachusetts residents from Hampden County on Sunday, Jan. 14 when the Baron Twin-Piston they were in crashed. Earlier Report - Triple-Fatal Plane Crash: 29-Year-Old Student Pilot From Woodstock ID'd As One Of Victims According to Massachusetts State …
Man, 55, Killed In Head-On Crash On CT Roadway Man, 55, Killed In Head-On Crash On CT Roadway
Man, 55, Killed In Head-On Crash On CT Roadway An early-morning crash on a Connecticut roadway has left one man dead and another injured. It happened the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 28 in the small Tolland County town of Willington. According to Connecticut State Police, 55-year-old Western Massachusetts resident Clifton Graves of the town of Monson in Hampden County, was driving south on River Road in his 2008 Cadillac CTS at approximately 4:30 a.m. At the same time, an 18-year-old from Stafford Springs was driving a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox north on River Road. Police said that near the intersection of Plains Road, the Chevrolet cros…
CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence
CT Woman Helps Cover Up Killing Of Father Of 3, Sells His Belongings: Here's Her Sentence A Connecticut woman will spend time in prison after helping to cover up the kidnapping and murder of a Massachusetts man on Christmas Eve, officials announced.  Hartford County resident Shamari Smith, age 34, of Manchester, also known as "Dakota," was sentenced on Friday, Oct. 13 to 25 months in prison for helping to cover up the murder of 28-year-old Francisco Roman, Jr. in December 2020, the US Attorney's Office for District of Connecticut announced.  Earlier Report: Murder Conviction: Manchester Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 According …
Western Mass Officer Suspended Over Alleged $87K Workers' Comp Fraud: Police Western Mass Officer Suspended Over Alleged $87K Workers' Comp Fraud: Police
Western Mass Officer Suspended Over Alleged $87K Workers' Comp Fraud: Police The agency responsible for policing standards has suspended a man who was an officer in Connecticut and Massachusetts and who lives in Massachusetts after he was charged with illegally receiving nearly $87,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working in Connecticut.  Matthew Hubbard, age 55, of Agawam in Hampden County, was one of four officers suspended by Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training.  Hubbard had worked as a corrections officer at a Connecticut prison and claimed he was hurt responding to a call on Aug. 7, 2020, the Connecticut Division of…
(Update) AMBER ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe (Update) AMBER ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe
(Update) Amber ALERT: Girl, 4, Abducted In Western Mass Found Safe New update: Police say they located 4-year-old Cortana Goncalves in a trailer park in Cheshire, Massachusetts, in Berkshire County. She is safe.  Brandee Arnold, the girl's mother, was arrested and is being returned to Springfield.  Original report: State police have issued an Amber Alert after a young girl was kidnapped from Springfield by her non-custodial, biological mother.  Brandee Arnold, age 32, is accused of taking her 4-year-old daughter, Cortana Concalves, on Thursday, June 22, Massachusetts State Police said. Arnold is believed to be driving a gray 2010 Honda Ac…
Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3
Murder Conviction: CT Woman Admits To Role In 2020 Killing Of Father Of 3 A Connecticut woman pleaded guilty Tuesday, June 6, to helping cover up the kidnap and murder of a Massachusetts man on Christmas Eve 2020, federal authorities said.  Hartford County resident Shamari Smith, 34, of Manchester, faces up to three years after admitting to misprision of felony in the kidnap and killing of Francisco "Paco" Roman, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  Authorities accused Smith of helping sell Roman's things after his killing despite knowing what had happened to the 28-year-old father of three.  Investigators said Calvin Roberson and Brandon B…
Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists
Violent Robberies: 20-Year-Old CT Man Admits To Role In String Of AT&T Store Heists A 20-year-old Connecticut man who pleaded guilty to several robberies of AT&T stores in the region where he and three others sometimes beat and pistol-whipped employees was the first of the crew to be sentenced this week.  Hartford County resident Deshawn Baugh of Hartford was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, the US Attorney for Connecticut said. He must pay $124,842.45 in restitution, the prosecutor said. Baugh, along with three others, went on a robbery spr…
'Most Loving Person': Friends Shocked, Angry Over Death Of Woman Killed In CT Crash 'Most Loving Person': Friends Shocked, Angry Over Death Of Woman Killed In CT Crash
'Most Loving Person': Friends Shocked, Angry Over Death Of Woman Killed In CT Crash Friends and family of a 20-year-old Massachusetts woman who died in a hit-and-run crash in Connecticut were stunned and horrified as news of the weekend wreck spread through social media. But there was a common thread amongst most of the posts: they want justice.  Hampden County resident Yaseri Cortes, of Springfield, was killed just before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, in Enfield. Connecticut State Police said she was standing in the center southbound lane of I-91 when she was hit. The driver sped away after the crash. No one has been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon.  Related: Police Id…
Hit-Run Crash: ID Released For 20-Year-Old Woman Struck, Killed By Car On I-91 Hit-Run Crash: ID Released For 20-Year-Old Woman Struck, Killed By Car On I-91
Hit-Run Crash: ID Released For 20-Year-Old Woman Struck, Killed By Car On I-91 Police have released the identity of a 20-year-old woman killed by a hit-and-run driver as they ask for witnesses to the crash in Connecticut. Hampden County resident Yaseri Cortes, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was struck around 10:20 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 in Hartford County. Police report Cortes was standing in the center lane and was struck directly by a car on southbound I-91 in Enfield. She suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Earlier report: Woman Struck, Killed By Car In Hit-Run I-91 Crash In Enfield After striking Cortes, the driver continue…
33-Year-Old Woman Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail On I-84 33-Year-Old Woman Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail On I-84
33-Year-Old Woman Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail On I-84 Connecticut State Police are seeking witnesses to a single-vehicle crash that killed a 33-year-old Massachusetts woman on I-84. The Hartford County crash took place in Farmington around 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14 on I-84 westbound. Hampden County resident Tiarra Thomas, of Springfield, was traveling westbound near Exit 39A in the left lane of three when for an unknown reason she lost control of her 2015 Ford Edge, state police said. State police said the SUV then traveled into the left shoulder and collided with the metal beam guardrail,  entered the grassy median, and came to rest.…
Man, Age 21, Charged With Sexually Assaulting CT Girl, Police Say Man, Age 21, Charged With Sexually Assaulting CT Girl, Police Say
Man, Age 21, Charged With Sexually Assaulting CT Girl, Police Say A Western Massachusetts man has been nabbed for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old Connecticut girl for several months. Hampden County resident Michael Luciano, age 20, of Springfield was arrested on a warrant on Friday, Dec. 2. South Windsor Police arrested Luciano following an investigation that determined that starting in October 2021 he met the girl online and had a physical relationship with the girl over the course of several months, said Sgt. Mark Cleverdon, of the South Windsor Police. Luciano turned himself in at South Windsor Police headquarters and was charged…
Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 11-Month-Old Daughter In Connecticut Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 11-Month-Old Daughter In Connecticut
Search Intensifies For Suspect In Murder Of 11-Month-Old Daughter In Connecticut Updated story: Caught! Connecticut Father Wanted For Stabbing, Dismembering Toddler Apprehended, Police Say Federal, state, and local law enforcement have stepped up their search and increased the reward for a Connecticut man wanted for allegedly stabbing and dismembering his 11-month-old daughter. Police say Christopher Francisquini, age 31, of Naugatuck, killed Camilla Francisquini on Friday, Nov. 18 in Naugatuck. The search now includes massive electronic billboards along highways and an increased reward of $25,000 by the FBI. “Christopher, if you are listening, the search will not st…
Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say
Man Charged With Manslaughter In CT Crash That Killed 60-Year-Old Man, Police Say A Western Massachusetts man was charged with manslaughter in a crash that killed a 60-year-old man in Connecticut last year. Hampden County resident Dominic Grassetti, age 25, of Southwick, turned himself in to police on Monday, Oct. 3, Connecticut State Police reported.  He was charged with second-degree manslaughter in the two-vehicle crash that killed Fernando Lebron, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, on I-91 in Enfield on Nov. 12, 2021, police said.  Police said the crash happened at about 12:40 a.m. near the Exit 48 off-ramp. A Scion xA, driven by Lebron, was northbound on t…
IDs Released For Three Teenagers Killed In New England Crash IDs Released For Three Teenagers Killed In New England Crash
IDs Released For Three Teenagers Killed In New England Crash This story has been updated. The three teenagers killed in a single-vehicle crash in Western Massachusetts have been identified by Massachusetts State Police and a GoFundMe organized in their honor. The crash happened just before 1 a.m. Sunday, June 26,  in the town of Brimfield in Hampden County, Massachusetts State Police said. Vencent “Vinnie” Ardizzoni, age 17, of Holland in Hampden County, Shane Douglas, age 18, of West Brookfield in Worcester County, and Dominic “Dom” Gardner, age 17, of Oxford in Worcester County, were all killed in the crash that occurred …
Three Teenagers Killed, One Seriously Injured In New England Crash Three Teenagers Killed, One Seriously Injured In New England Crash
Three Teenagers Killed, One Seriously Injured In New England Crash Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of three teenagers overnight in Western Massachusetts. Just before 1 a.m. Sunday, June 26,  Massachusetts State Police patrols from the Sturbridge Barracks responded to the crash in the town of Brimfield in Hampden County in the the area of 40 East Brimfield-Holland Road. Responding troopers found a 2006 Nissan Sentra that had gone off the road and rolled over approximately 40 feet into the wood line, Massachusetts State Police said. Three occupants, all male, were determined to be dead on-scene. They were: …
Police In New England Warn Residents To Be On Lookout For Paving Scams Police In New England Warn Residents To Be On Lookout For Paving Scams
Police In New England Warn Residents To Be On Lookout For Paving Scams Police have issued an alert about paving scams as the summer months approach in New England. The West Springfield Police Department in Hampden County said in an announcement that paving scams typically increase during spring and summer. Police said the scams usually involve a person coming to a home and offering extra asphalt that needs to be used and to pave the driveway at a discounted price. "If you agree or do not firmly refuse the offer, a crew appears quickly and begins working on your driveway only to eventually tell you that there is a mistake or issue and that the price will be se…
Missing Western Massachusetts Woman Found Safe, Police Say Missing Western Massachusetts Woman Found Safe, Police Say
Missing Western Massachusetts Woman Found Safe, Police Say Update: A 74-year-old woman from Western Massachusetts who was reported missing has been found safe. The Wilbraham Police Department said Sandra Stephens has been found. Authorities previously reported that Stephens had visited her son in the Hampden County city of Palmer on Sunday, May 15, and hadn't returned to the Orchard Valley Senior Living facility in Wilbraham.  Original report: Police have issued a Silver Alert for a missing woman from Western Massachusetts who was last seen in Connecticut.  Sandra Stephens, age 74, visited her son in the Hampden County city of Palmer …
Western Mass Man Nabbed For Shooting Car, Police Say Western Mass Man Nabbed For Shooting Car, Police Say
Western Mass Man Nabbed For Shooting Car, Police Say A Western Massachusetts has been arrested on firearms charges in connection with a shooting where bullets hit a car. The arrest took place in Hampden County in Springfield around 8:45 a.m., Thursday, May 12. Victor Aytche, age 29, of Springfield, was arrested on a warrant by members of the Springfield Police investigative unit in connection with a shooting that took place on Wednesday, May 4, said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police. Aytche became a suspect during the investigation into the May 4 shooting in which a car was shot, Walsh said. He was charged with: Carrying a …
CT Man Nabbed In Connection To Fatal Shooting Of 21-Year-Old CT Man Nabbed In Connection To Fatal Shooting Of 21-Year-Old
CT Man Nabbed In Connection To Fatal Shooting Of 21-Year-Old A Connecticut man has been arrested for the shooting death of a 21-year-old Western Mass man. The murder took place in Hampden County in Springfield on Worthington Street around 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Hartford resident Andre Wise, age 21, was arrested on Wednesday, May 4, for the shooting of Karmari Alexander, of Springfield, said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police Department. Following the homicide, Wise was identified as a suspect and a warrant was granted for his arrest, Walsh said. On Wednesday, around 3:30 p.m. Wise was nabbed near the intersection of Hall and Dic…
Quick-Thinking Officers Save Western Mass Man From Hanging Himself, Police Say Quick-Thinking Officers Save Western Mass Man From Hanging Himself, Police Say
Quick-Thinking Officers Save Western Mass Man From Hanging Himself, Police Say A Western Mass man who was attempting to hang himself from a tree was saved by quick-thinking police officers. The incident took place in Hampden County in Springfield around 11:!5 a.m., Monday, April 25. Springfield Police Officers responded to the 800 block of Boston Road for a report of a suicidal man, said Ryan Walsh, spokesman for the Springfield Police. When officers arrived a man was in a tree with a belt around his neck. Officers attempted to talk him down but when the man saw additional emergency vehicles he let go of a branch and was actively attempting to hang himself, Walsh sa…
Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say
Man Wanted For Using Fake CT ID Card, Police Say Recognize him? Law enforcement agencies in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance as they attempt to identify and locate a man wanted for identity theft involving an altered Connecticut ID card. In Hampden County, local police in Chicopee released a photo of a man who was found in possession of an altered identity card before fleeing the region. According to police, the ID card had the real identification of another person, but the photo had been altered to match the wanted suspect. After being caught with the card, police said that the man then left the area in a blac…
Western Mass Man Accused Of Putting Video Camera In Beach Bathroom, Police Say Western Mass Man Accused Of Putting Video Camera In Beach Bathroom, Police Say
Western Mass Man Accused Of Putting Video Camera In Beach Bathroom, Police Say Police arrested a Western Mass man for allegedly putting a video camera in a popular Connecticut beach bathroom. Hampden County resident Nicholas Spellman, age 21, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, was arrested by East Lyme Police in New London County on Thursday, April 14. The arrest comes as a culmination of a lengthy investigation by the East Lyme Police detective division based upon evidence discovered during a New London Police Department investigation, said Chief Michael T Finkelstein, of the East Lyme Police. Subsequent to a New London Police Department arrest, numerous el…
School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave
School Superintendent In New England Arrested By FBI Placed On Administrative Leave A school superintendent in New England who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly making threats against a police chief candidate has placed on administrative leave. Western Massachusetts resident Lynn Clark age 51, of Belchertown in Hampden County, was arrested early Wednesday, April 6, said FBI Boston Division spokesperson Kristen Setera. Clark is the superintendent of Chicopee Public Schools. Assistance Superintendent Alvin Morton is now the district's acting superintendent, officials said.  Clark was arrested for allegedly making false statements in connection with sending threaten…
CT MMA Fighter Dies After Debut Fight CT MMA Fighter Dies After Debut Fight
CT MMA Fighter Dies After Debut Fight A mixed martial arts fighter from Connecticut has died following his debut bout. Christian Lubenga, age 27, who trained in New Haven County at the Black Wolf MMA, a gym in Orange, died on Monday, March 14, two days after the fight that was on Saturday, March 12, at AMMO 10 located in Hampden County in West Springfield, Massachusetts, according to the New England Mixed Martial Arts. According to a blog post from the organization, "the ending of the fight didn't seem very violent, and there is no word on what caused Lubenga's death, but regardless of what was the attributing factor in his pas…
Know Her? Police Search For Woman Who Stole Worker's Purse At Holyoke Store Know Her? Police Search For Woman Who Stole Worker's Purse At Holyoke Store
Know Her? Police Search For Woman Who Stole Worker's Purse At Holyoke Store Police have asked the public for help locating a woman accused of stealing an employee's purse at a Western Massachusetts store. The woman went behind the cash register at the Hampden County store and took the purse on Sunday, March 6, in Holyoke, authorities said. According to the Holyoke Police Department, a man was with the woman at the store, but he wasn't present when the purse was stolen. Authorities did not identify the store where the incident took place.  Police asked anyone who recognizes the woman to call Detective Keith Williams at 413-322-6900 ext. 559.
Police In Hampden County Search For ID Theft Suspect Stealing From Victims Police In Hampden County Search For ID Theft Suspect Stealing From Victims
Police In Hampden County Search For ID Theft Suspect Stealing From Victims Police in Western Massachusetts are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of committing identity fraud. The man is suspected of committing identity fraud at a Hampden County financial institution in West Springfield. The man, who has not been identified, is also accused of attempting to steal thousands of dollars from an elderly person, said the West Springfield Police Department. If you have information that will help identify the suspect call detectives at 413-263-3210 ext. 233. Please reference case number 22-3253-OF.  You may remain anonymous.
Alert Issued For Missing CT Woman Alert Issued For Missing CT Woman
Alert Issued For Missing CT Woman Seen her? Police agencies in the region are seeking the public’s assistance in tracking down a 22-year-old woman who has been reported missing. A Silver Alert was issued in Hartford County for Sherrian Howe, who was reported missing on Dec. 21, 2021, to the Manchester Police Department. Howe was described as being 5-foot-1 weighing approximately 105 pounds. She was last seen at approximately midnight on the night she was reported missing, according to police. Investigators said that Howe was last seen in the Windsor Locks area in Hartford County on Dec. 23, 2021, and that she was spotted…
Nor'easter: How Much Snow Did You Get? A Look At Totals Throughout Region Nor'easter: How Much Snow Did You Get? A Look At Totals Throughout Region
Nor'easter: How Much Snow Did You Get? A Look At Totals Throughout Region This story has been updated. Snowfall totals from the powerful Nor'easter that is winding down from west to east Saturday afternoon, Jan. 29, are quickly coming in. Here are some totals from the National Weather Service and other reports as of at or around sunset on Saturday. If you don't see your hometown, leave the total by posting a comment below. New York New York City Central Park, 8.3 inches Nassau County Elmont, 17.3 inches Jericho, 12 inches Levittown, 19.2 inches Massapequa, 16 inches Plainedge, 16 inches  Seaford, 12 inches Syosset, 14 inches W…