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West Springfield, MA

Big Lots Expands Store Closures Amid Bankruptcy Filing: Here's CT Rundown Big Lots Expands Store Closures Amid Bankruptcy Filing: Here's CT Rundown
Big Lots Expands Store Closures Amid Bankruptcy Filing: Here's CT Rundown Discount retail chain Big Lots has filed for bankruptcy as its list of planned store closures expands. It currently has around 1,425 stores nationwide. The company announced on Monday, Sept. 9 that it will sell its assets to an affiliate of private equity firm Nexus Capital Management. In announcing initial store closures late in late July, Big Lots said a bankruptcy filing could be coming. Stores in the Northeast now slated for closure are as follows: New York Delaware Avenue, Buffalo South Ogden Street, Buffalo Route 5 & 20, Canandaigua  Voice Road, Carle Place Centereach …
Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts
Big Lots To Close Hundreds More Stores, Including Several In Massachusetts It's more bad news for discount retailer Big Lots. The nationwide chain announced in June that it would close 40 stores following dismal sales and rising costs, but in a new filing last week, the company said it may need to shutter nearly 300 locations — several of them in the Northeast.  Big Lots announced in a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Friday, Aug. 2, that under an updated term sheet, the company would need to close 20 percent of its 1,392 stores — about 290 in all.  Here are some of the local closures. Connecticut — Eight stores Manchester — 1…
CT Hooters Locale Closes After Nearly 20 Years: 'Difficult Decision' CT Hooters Locale Closes After Nearly 20 Years: 'Difficult Decision'
CT Hooters Locale Closes After Nearly 20 Years: 'Difficult Decision' A Hooters location in Connecticut has announced its sudden closure.  The restaurant, located in the Hartford County town of Manchester at 1483 Pleasant Valley Rd., announced its closure on social media on Monday, July 1.  In its closing announcement, the owners of the Hooters branch said it was a "difficult decision" to shutter the eatery, which has been open for almost 20 years.  "Thank you for the many years of patronage and loyalty," the owners wrote, also encouraging customers to visit nearby locations in Wethersfield or West Springfield, Massachusetts.  …
Man Admits To Killing Child 58 Years Ago, Leaving Body In Western Mass River Man Admits To Killing Child 58 Years Ago, Leaving Body In Western Mass River
Man Admits To Killing Child 58 Years Ago, Leaving Body In Western Mass River A 75-year-old man has admitted to beating a 10-year-old Hampden County girl with a rock and leaving her to drown in a river in Western Massachusetts.  Donald Mars, of Bedford, pleaded guilty Thursday, May 2, to manslaughter after he was indicted in the 1966 murder of Betty Lou Zukowski, the Hampden County District Attorney said. He will serve two and a half years in prison and two years probation, and he must register as a level-3 sex offender after his release.  “Sadly, Betty Lou’s parents are deceased, and are not able to see Donald Mars answer for the brutality he inflicte…
Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police
Man Kidnaps Woman At Knifepoint In Western Mass, Forces Her Into Hotel Room: Police A Hampden County man is accused of robbing a couple in West Springfield before forcing the woman at knifepoint to go with him to a hotel, where he planned to rape her, authorities said.  Michael Hunter, of Leeds, is charged with armed robbery, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, assault to commit rape, and assault and battery, West Springfield police said. Officers were called to the area of 1130 Riverdale St. in West Springfield around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, to reports of a man assaulting a man and woman at knifepoint. Witnesses said the man forced the …
Violent Robberies: Man Gets 10 Years For CT, Western Mass Heists Violent Robberies: Man Gets 10 Years For CT, Western Mass Heists
Violent Robberies: Man Gets 10 Years For CT, Western Mass Heists A 23-year-old Connecticut man who admitted to his role in several violent armed robberies of AT&T stores will spend the next decade behind bars, a judge ruled on Tuesday, May 23.  Alex Josephs, of the city of Hartford, must also repay $298,073.86 to three Connecticut and Western Massachusetts stores he and his team of burglars robbed over the course of several months in 2021, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  Josephs, along with Shaquille Raymond, Ronaldo Smith, and Deshawn Baugh, used violence to overpower employees at AT&T stores during their robbery spree…
Police Searching For Van Causing Serious Connecticut Crash Police Searching For Van Causing Serious Connecticut Crash
Police Searching For Van Causing Serious Connecticut Crash Authorities are asking for help from the public in locating the driver of a van that crashed into a motorcycle in Connecticut and then drove away, leaving a Massachusetts man injured. The crash happened on Sunday, May 7 around 9:40 p.m. in Tolland County, at the intersection of Main Street (Route 190) and South Road (Route 83) in Somers, according to state police.  At the time of the crash, a motorcycle driven by a West Springfield, Massachusetts resident had been traveling east on Route 190 when it was cut off by the van, which was trying to turn left on South Road.  The van the…
Fleeing CT Man Crashes Into Police Cars Twice In West Springfield Chase: Officials Fleeing CT Man Crashes Into Police Cars Twice In West Springfield Chase: Officials
Fleeing CT Man Crashes Into Police Cars Twice In West Springfield Chase: Officials A 28-year-old Connecticut man out on probation rammed a police vehicle multiple times as he tried to escape capture in Western Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 5, authorities said.  Jonell Bonilla, age 28, of Waterbury, faces a slew of charges after he led police of a chase that ended with a bang in West Springfield, police said.  Officers tried to pull Bonilla's car over around 8 p.m. after he left the Super 8 Motel parking lot at 1500 Riverdale St. as part of a narcotics investigation, authorities said. Bonilla floored it instead.  He crashed into a car sto…
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…
Arrest Made In 1966 Western Mass Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski Arrest Made In 1966 Western Mass Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski
Arrest Made In 1966 Western Mass Homicide Of 10-Year-Old Betty Lou Zukowski Authorities in Western Massachusetts have announced an arrest in connection with a 1966 homicide of a 10-year-old girl.  Donald Mars, age 73, of Bedford, was charged in connection with the death of Betty Lou Zukowski on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office reports.  Betty Lou left her Chicopee home around 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 1966 after getting a call from one of her friends. Later that night, Betty Lou's parents Stanley and Mildred Zukowski reported her missing after she did not come home.  Betty Lou's body was found beaten and covered in mud in the Wes…
Western Mass Homicide Victim Amber Carpenter Was 'Joyful, Passionate Soul' Western Mass Homicide Victim Amber Carpenter Was 'Joyful, Passionate Soul'
Western Mass Homicide Victim Amber Carpenter Was 'Joyful, Passionate Soul' A woman killed in Western Massachusetts this week will be remembered as a devoted member of her community and loyal companion.  Amber Carpenter, age 39, of West Springfield was found dead inside the home of Jose Hernandez, age 30, on Riverdale Street in West Springfield on Friday, Oct. 21, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office reports.  Carpenter was the victim of the first reported homicide in West Springfield since 2017, MassLive reports. According to her Facebook, Carpenter was from Northampton and worked at Touched By An Angel Health Care. She was also h…
39-Year-Old Woman ID'd As Victim Of Western Massachusetts Homicide: DA 39-Year-Old Woman ID'd As Victim Of Western Massachusetts Homicide: DA
39-Year-Old Woman ID'd As Victim Of Western Massachusetts Homicide: DA Authorities have identified the victim of a homicide in Western Massachusetts. Amber Carpenter, age 39, of West Springfield was found dead inside the home of Jose Hernandez, age 30, on Riverdale Street in West Springfield on Friday, Oct. 21, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office reports.  Hernandez was arrested and charged with Carpenter's murder the same day, as previously reported by Daily Voice. This is the first reported homicide in West Springfield since 2017, according to MassLive.  Jose Hernandez is being held without bail after he was arraigned in Springfield Dist…
Man Charged In Connection With Western Massachusetts Murder: DA Man Charged In Connection With Western Massachusetts Murder: DA
Man Charged In Connection With Western Massachusetts Murder: DA A man has been arrested in connection with a homicide in western Massachusetts, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office reports. Jose Hernandez, of West Springfield, was arrested and charged with murder on Friday, Oct. 21, the office reports. Authorities were aware of a possible homicide victim on Thursday, according to the office. Police later searched the victim's house and found them dead inside.  Investigators later determined Hernandez as the suspect. He is expected to be arraigned Friday in Springfield District Court. The investigation is ongoing.
Fight Breaks Out At Key Foods Store In Western Mass Fight Breaks Out At Key Foods Store In Western Mass
Fight Breaks Out At Key Foods Store In Western Mass One man was arrested for fleeing from police and having a loaded gun following a fight with another man at a grocery store in Western Massachusetts. The incident took place in Hampden County around 5:45 p.m., Thursday, June 2 at the Key Foods in Holyoke located at 13 Cabot St. Police responded to the store after receiving a complaint of two men involved in a fight, with one having a gun, said Capt. Matthew Moriarty, of the Holyoke Police. When an officer arrived on the scene one of the men involved, Nelson Cruz, age 29, of Holyoke, fled on foot, Moriarty said. The officer advised respond…
Western Mass Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Minor Western Mass Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Minor
Western Mass Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Minor A man from Western Massachusetts is accused of prostituting a minor. Hampden County resident Carlos Casillas, age 48, of Springfield, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of sex trafficking a minor, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts. Investigators said Casillas caused a child under the age of 18 to engage in a commerical sex act in West Springfield in September 2021. He was arrested the following February on charges of aggravated rape of a child and enticing a child, according to prosecutors. If convicted of sex trafficking a minor, Casillas would face …
Know Her? Woman Accused Of Shoplifting From Business In Western Mass Know Her? Woman Accused Of Shoplifting From Business In Western Mass
Know Her? Woman Accused Of Shoplifting From Business In Western Mass If you recognize this woman, authorities in Hampden County want to hear from you. She was caught on camera allegedly shoplifting from a business on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield, according to police. The theft occurred at around 12:30 p.m on Sunday, May 22. When a store employee confronted the woman, she resisted giving back the stolen merchandise and left, police said. She reportedly took off in a black Honda Civic. Anyone with information is asked to contact West Springfield Police at 413-263-3210 extension 229.  Anonymous tips can also be sent via text with the word SOLV…
Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Western Mass Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Western Mass
Seen Him? Alert Issued For 25-Year-Old Who's Gone Missing In Western Mass Law enforcement agencies in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 25-year-old man who has not been seen for days. In Hampden County, an alert was issued and photos were released of Kareem Diabate, who was last seen on Thursday, May 19 in Chicopee. According to the Chicopee Police Department, Diabate was last seen walking on Chicopee Street in the direction of Holyoke. Police described Diabate as being 6-foot-5 weighing approximately 180 pounds with brown eyes, and short black hair in a faded style. Diabate also has a cross tattoo on his forearm. …
Speed A Factor In Fatal Western Mass Crash, Police Say Speed A Factor In Fatal Western Mass Crash, Police Say
Speed A Factor In Fatal Western Mass Crash, Police Say A single-vehicle crash killed a driver who lost control of his vehicle, according to police. The crash took place in Hampden County in West Springfield around 10:45 p.m., Saturday, April 23 on Route 5. The driver lost control of the motorcycle on Route 5 between the Memorial and North End bridges, said Sgt. Joseph LaFrance, of the West Springfield Police. Arriving officers started CPR and other life-saving measures until the driver could be transported to Baystate Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, LaFrance said. The northbound lane of Route 5 was shut down for several hou…
Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Western Mass, Including In Front Of Child Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Western Mass, Including In Front Of Child
Man Accused Of Masturbating In Public Areas In Western Mass, Including In Front Of Child A Western Massachusetts man has been arrested for allegedly openly masturbating on two occasions, once in front of a child. The incidents took place in Hampden County in West Springfield and Chicopee on Sunday, April 24, and on Tuesday, April 26. On Sunday, West Springfield officers responded to the area of the Connecticut Riverwalk and Bikeway behind Riverdale Shops Plaza for a report of a man in a state of partial nudity openly masturbating.  The suspect, identified as Lawrence "Larry" Disco, age 58, undomiciled, had fled into the wooded area near the riverbank when confronted by a …
One Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash One Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash
One Killed In Single-Vehicle Western Mass Crash One person was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Western Massachusetts. The unidentified person was killed in West Springfield around 10:45 p.m., Saturday, April 23. According to the West Springfield Police, a person on a motorcycle was located on northbound Route 5 between the Memorial and North End Bridges, said the West Springfield Police. Officers located the driver and started CPR and other life-saving measures before transporting them to Baystate Medical Center where they were later pronounced dead, police said. The victim's identity is not being released pending notification of f…
Know Him? Man Wanted In Connection To Nearly A Dozen Shoplifting Incidents In Western Mass Know Him? Man Wanted In Connection To Nearly A Dozen Shoplifting Incidents In Western Mass
Know Him? Man Wanted In Connection To Nearly A Dozen Shoplifting Incidents In Western Mass Police investigators in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a wanted suspect tied to nearly a dozen shopliftings in the region. In Hampden County, police issued an alert and released surveillance photos of a wanted man known to target local businesses in West Springfield. According to the West Springfield Police Department, the man (pictured above) has been linked to at least 11 shoplifting incidents from a business in the city beginning in November 2021. In total, it is believed that the shoplifter has stolen approximately $2,000 worth of…
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…
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.
Teen Dies After House Fire Breaks Out In Hampden County Teen Dies After House Fire Breaks Out In Hampden County
Teen Dies After House Fire Breaks Out In Hampden County A teen was killed and an adult seriously injured during a raging house fire in Western Massachusetts, authorities announced. It happened in Hampden County around 9 a.m., Wednesday, March 9 at a home in Agawam. Agawam firefighters responded to the area of Squire Lane following a 911 call, said Agawam Fire Chief Alan Sirois.  On arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames on all sides of the two-story structure, and a second alarm was ordered a short time later, Sirois said. Sections of the roof collapsed over the main house, as well as the attached garage during the fire, offi…
Suspect Nabbed In Attempted Murder At Hotel In Hampden County Suspect Nabbed In Attempted Murder At Hotel In Hampden County
Suspect Nabbed In Attempted Murder At Hotel In Hampden County A man was arrested after a woman was injured during an attempted murder at a Western Massachusetts hotel. The Hampden County incident began around 1 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, when West Springfield Police responded to the Candlewood Suites located at 572 Riverdale St. for a shooting report. Upon arrival, officers found damage to the foyer area of the hotel, consistent with gunfire, police said. An employee witness and a woman who had been shot were soon located inside the hotel. The woman told officers that Mikell Robinson, age unknown, of Cordova, South Carolina, had shot her and then stolen…
Man Wanted For Robbing Hampden County Gas Station Man Wanted For Robbing Hampden County Gas Station
Man Wanted For Robbing Hampden County Gas Station Recognize him? Police investigators in Western Massachusetts released photos of a wanted man who allegedly robbed a gas station at knifepoint. An alert was issued by the Westfield Police Department in Hampden County after a man - pictured above - allegedly robbed Cumberland Farms on Main Street shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17. According to police, the man, described as being white or light-skinned Hispanic, was armed with a large knife and spoke with a deep voice during the armed robbery. It is unclear how much money the suspect made off with during the robbery. Investigat…
Nor'easter: Here's A Brand-New Rundown Of Snowfall Totals From Throughout Region Nor'easter: Here's A Brand-New Rundown Of Snowfall Totals From Throughout Region
Nor'easter: Here's A Brand-New Rundown Of Snowfall Totals From Throughout Region Snowfall totals from the powerful Nor'easter that slammed the region ranged from more than two feet to several inches. Here are totals from the National Weather Service and other reports from at or around sunset on Saturday, Jan. 29. 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 Wantagh, 14 inches Suffolk County Amit…
Alert Issued For Missing Springfield Woman Alert Issued For Missing Springfield Woman
Alert Issued For Missing Springfield Woman Seen her? Police in Western Massachusetts are seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 30-year-old woman who could be in need of medical attention. An alert was issued in Hampden County by the Springfield Police Department as they look to track down Joan Elvers-Fahey, who was reported missing on Tuesday, Jan. 18, and has not been in contact with her family since Monday, Jan. 17. Elvers-Fahey was described as being 5-foot-4 weighing 190 pounds. She has a tattoo of stars on the left side of her neck and the word “LOVE” on the right side. Police said she is known to frequent P…
Suspect Wanted For Alleged Kidnapping, Rape Of Child In Region Suspect Wanted For Alleged Kidnapping, Rape Of Child In Region
Suspect Wanted For Alleged Kidnapping, Rape Of Child In Region Know him? An alert has been issued for a wanted teen with a warrant out for his arrest for alleged kidnapping and rape of a minor in Western Massachusetts. In Hampden County, police in West Springfield are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Gavin Gabriel Ortiz, who is wanted on multiple charges for an incident earlier this month. It is alleged that Ortiz allegedly kidnapped and raped a minor at an area motel on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Ortiz is wanted for: Enticing a child under the age of 16; Kidnapping; Aggravated rape of a child with force; Assault and battery; R…
12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region 12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region
12 Nabbed In Connection To Cocaine Trafficking Operation In Region A months-long investigation involving several law enforcement organizations led to the arrest of a dozen people in connection with an alleged cocaine trafficking operation operating throughout Western Massachusetts. A dozen people from Greenfield, Deerfield, Montague, Ludlow, Charlemont, and West Springfield were arrested in connection with the enterprise, said Laurie Loisel, with the Northwestern District Attorney's Office.  The group was busted on Tuesday, Dec. 14, when members of the Northwestern District Anti-Crime Task Force coordinated the simultaneous executi…
Alligator Spotted In River Near CT Border Captured, Officials Say Alligator Spotted In River Near CT Border Captured, Officials Say
Alligator Spotted In River Near CT Border Captured, Officials Say An alligator that has been spotted by numerous fishermen and kayakers for several months in Western Massachusetts has been captured. MassWildlife reports an alligator that has been the subject of sightings in West Springfield in the Westfield River was finally captured by a Good Samaritan on Tuesday, Dec. 7, said Massachusetts Wildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson. "The capture was fortunate as this cold-blooded animal would not have survived the winter," Larson said.  Sightings and pictures of the alligator near the Morgan Sullivan Bridge in West Springfield, Massachusetts, were first repor…