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 responding units of his clothing and a search was initiated along the wood line behind the grocery store, he added.
Cruz was spotted and ordered to show his hands and to stop but he refused and continued running until he was stopped by two officers. Moriarty said.
With the aid of a K-9 unit from West Springfield, a Bretta 9mm pistol loaded with 15 rounds was recovered in the wooded area, police said.
Cruz was placed under arrest and charged with:
- Possession of a large-capacity firearm
- Unlicensed possession of an assault weapon
- Possession of ammunition without FID
- Carrying a dangerous weapon
- Disorderly conduct
- Improper storage of a large-capacity firearm.
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