Tag:

Firearms

South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It
South Hadley Man Says He Didn't Steal $100K In Jewelry, Valuables; DA Doesn't Buy It A 64-year-old South Hadley man accused of stealing more than $100,000 worth of jewelry, coins, and other valuables has pleaded not guilty to the charges, authorities said.  Steven Skea is charged with two counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime, two counts of larceny in a building, and unlawful possession of a firearm without a permit, the Northwestern District Attorney said. The alleged burglaries happened last year.  He is being held without bail.  Skea is accused of breaking into two businesses in the dark of night and escaping with six figures worth of…
Warrant Issued For Man Wanted In Shooting, Attack At Springfield High School Warrant Issued For Man Wanted In Shooting, Attack At Springfield High School
Warrant Issued For Man Wanted In Shooting, Attack At Springfield High School Police have issued a warrant for the man they said forced his way into the High School of Science and Technology in Springfield, pistol-whipped a student, and fired a gun through a window, authorities said.  Chantz Dudley, 20, of Chicopee, faces multiple felonies from the Monday, March 11, shooting at the 1250 State Street school, Springfield police said.  Related: Man Busted In Connection With Attack, Shooting At Springfield School Police said a teacher saw four people outside the school just after 2 p.m. and opened a security door to tell them to leave. Instead, they pushe…
Couple Fire Pistol Into Central Mass Neighbor's Bedroom: Police Couple Fire Pistol Into Central Mass Neighbor's Bedroom: Police
Couple Fire Pistol Into Central Mass Neighbor's Bedroom: Police Police say a couple fired a gun from a third-floor apartment in Worcester County into the unit below them, and threw the pistol out of the window to hide the evidence.  Azani Kelley, 19, and Johnathan L. Rogers, both of Soutbridge, were both charged with possession of a large-capacity firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine, unlawful possession of ammunition, and obstruction of justice, Southbridge police said.  Police were called to an apartment block on Union Street on Monday, Feb. 19, after a bullet shot through the ceiling of a bedroom of a second-story apartment.&nbs…
Man Busted In Fatal 2023 Shooting In Springfield Man Busted In Fatal 2023 Shooting In Springfield
Man Busted In Fatal 2023 Shooting In Springfield A 32-year-old Springfield man was arrested this week and charged with the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old last year, authorities said.  Jean Mercado faces several charges connected to the Dec. 4, 2023, shooting death of Billy "Dunnie" Spivey Jr., Springfield police said.  Spivey was found shot just after 6 p.m. in the 100 block of Albemarle Street just after 6 p.m. Paramedics rushed him to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he died of his wounds later that evening.  Police said they linked Mercardo to the shooting and arrested him at his apartment on Wednesday, Fe…
Massage Parlor Owners Busted On Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Charges: Westfield Police Massage Parlor Owners Busted On Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Charges: Westfield Police
Todd Simonds, Baushun Simonds Charged With Running A Brothel A couple who ran a Hampden County massage parlor were using it as a brothel, police in Westfield announced on Thursday, Feb. 1.  Todd and Baushun Simonds, both of Holyoke, were arrested after police raided the Southampton Road Massage and Body Work at 282 Southampton Road in Westfield, Westfield police said.  Police had been investigating the couple for some time and had determined they were trafficking in women to perform sexual favors on customers for money, though, the workers were not being paid, police said. The only money they kept were the tips they received from their…
Routine Traffic Stop Uncovers Drugs, Stolen Handgun In Springfield Routine Traffic Stop Uncovers Drugs, Stolen Handgun In Springfield
Leonard Naylor Busted After Stolen Gun Found In Car: Police A routine traffic stop in Springfield spiraled into a much larger bust earlier this week.  Leonard Naylor, 44, of Springfield, faces several felonies stemming from that traffic stop on Wednesday night, Jan. 17, authorities said.  Officers pulled Naylor over around 10 p.m. after they noticed his car had a missing headlight, but when they walked up to speak with him, police saw an open beer bottle in the floorboard, officials said.  When they reached under the driver's seat, police found a loaded pistol and later found crack cocaine stashed inside the vehicle as well, authorit…
Murder-Suicide: Autopsy Results Shed Light On Mass Family's Deaths Murder-Suicide: Autopsy Results Shed Light On Mass Family's Deaths
Murder-Suicide: Autopsy Results Shed Light On Mass Family's Deaths The family found dead inside a Dover mansion last week died of a murder-suicide, autopsy reports found this week.  Rakesh Kamal, 57, Teena Kamal, 54, and their daughter Arianna Kamal, 18, were found shot to death inside their 11-bedroom, $4 million home in Dover about 20 miles from Boston just before 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said. They had all been shot to death.  An autopsy found that Rakesh Kamal killed his wife and daughter before turning the .40-caliber pistol on himself, the prosecutor's office said.  The gun was…
Father, Mother, Daughter Found Dead In Mass Mansion; Domestic Violence Suspected: DA Father, Mother, Daughter Found Dead In Mass Mansion; Domestic Violence Suspected: DA
Father, Mother, Daughter Found Dead In Mass Mansion; Domestic Violence Suspected: DA Three people were found dead inside a Norfolk County home on Thursday evening, Dec. 28, were likely killed as a result of a domestic violence dispute, authorities said.  Teena Kamal, 54, her husband, Rakesh Kamal, 57, and their daughter Arianna Kamal, 18, were found dead inside the home in Dover just before 7:30 p.m., the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said. They had all been shot to death.  Dover police received a 911 call from a family member who went to the house to check on the family.  The investigation into the killings has just begun, but police do not beli…
Man Threatened To Kill Neighbor Over Dog Dispute In East Longmeadow: Cops Man Threatened To Kill Neighbor Over Dog Dispute In East Longmeadow: Cops
East Longmeadow Man Threatens Neighbor Over Dog Dispute A Hampden County man was arrested and charged with pulling a pistol on his neighbor over a dispute about their dogs, authorities said.  Philip Pelchat, age 48, of East Longmeadow, faces several felony charges after he allegedly threatened to kill his neighbor on Saturday, Dec. 9, East Longmeadow police said.  Police were called to Lee Street just after 10:30 p.m. when Pelchat's neighbor said he had gone into Pelchat's yard to retrieve his dog that had gotten out and was playing with Pelchat's pooch. The man said Pelchat came out with a pistol in his hand and threatened t…
Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police
Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police Two brothers were arrested in Franklin County over the weekend after police said they had illegally killed a fox and deer from their truck.  Ira B. Doull, 46, of Worthington, and Seth O Doull, 51, of Colrain, were arrested and charged with: Hunting from a vehicle; Carrying a loaded shotgun/rifle in a vehicle Hunting deer with a rifle Discharging a firearm near a highway Improper storage of a firearm Hunting at night Hunting out of season  Massachusetts State Police said they were called to a home on Shelburne Line Road in Colrain just after 6 p.m. to reports that a deer had …
Armed Bank Robber Knocks Over Western Mass Branch: Police Armed Bank Robber Knocks Over Western Mass Branch: Police
Armed Bank Robber Knocks Over Western Mass Branch: Police Police in Berkshire County are asking for the public's help to track down a man who robbed an NBT Bank in Pittsfield Wednesday evening, Nov. 29, authorities said.  The robber entered the bank at 609 Merrill Road just before closing at 5 p.m. with a firearm, police said. He demanded cash and bolted when tellers complied with his demands. Investigators are not sure which direction he went after leaving.   No one was injured. Police ask anyone with information or saw anything suspicious in that area at that time to contact investigators at 413-448-9700 x554. 
Florida Man Accused Of Western Mass Shooting Pleads Not Guilty To 11 Charges: DA Florida Man Accused Of Western Mass Shooting Pleads Not Guilty To 11 Charges: DA
Florida Man Accused Of Western Mass Shooting Pleads Not Guilty To 11 Charges: DA A Florida man who sparked an intense manhunt Tuesday, Aug. 29, after police say he shot a man in Franklin County before he ran into the woods has pleaded not guilty to all the charges, authorities said. Gil Viera, 30, of Sunrise, Florida, is accused of shooting a man near 30 11th St. in the Turners Falls neighborhood known as The Patch just before 1 p.m., the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  Paramedics took the victim, a 30-year-old Athol man, to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he is expected to survive, authorities said.  Police from multipl…
License Plate Leads To 2 Teens In Cuffs On Drug Charges In Springfield: Police License Plate Leads To 2 Teens In Cuffs On Drug Charges In Springfield: Police
License Plate Leads To 2 Teens In Cuffs On Drug Charges In Springfield: Police A routine traffic stop in Springfield nearly turned ugly on Sunday, Aug. 20, when a teenager refused to remove his hand from inside a bag with a loaded gun, police said.  Officers pulled over a car on Armory Street just before 7:30 p.m. after they noticed the vehicle didn't have a front license plate. When they approached, they could smell marijuana and saw several burnt roaches, scales, cash, and more than the legal amount of pot inside, Springfield police said.  Zaddiel Aponte-Perez, 18, of Springfield, was placed under arrest, authorities said.  His 17-year-old passenger …
Wanted Man Who Cut Off Ankle Monitor Caught Within 15 Minutes After Springfield Stabbing: Cops Wanted Man Who Cut Off Ankle Monitor Caught Within 15 Minutes After Springfield Stabbing: Cops
Wanted Man Who Cut Off Ankle Monitor Caught Within 15 Minutes After Springfield Stabbing: Cops A 26-year-old man out on bail for a firearms charge didn't make it very far after he cut off his ankle monitoring bracelet earlier this week, authorities said. In fact, Springfield police caught him in under 15 minutes hiding in someone's garage less than a quarter mile away. Shaquan Morales, of Springfield, was arrested just after 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, on Sycamore Street, Springfield police said.  Officers had been called to Edgewood Street for a report of a stabbing. When they arrived, police found the victim and Morales, authorities said. Morales bolted at the sight o…
Home Invasion, Frying Pan Attack Lands 4 In Jail In Worcester Home Invasion, Frying Pan Attack Lands 4 In Jail In Worcester
Home Invasion, Frying Pan Attack Lands 4 In Jail In Worcester Worcester police arrested four people, including two children, and charged them with forcing their way inside a home earlier this week and attacking the residents inside, authorities said.  Samantha Houle, 36, Damien Zevallos, 18, and two juveniles were arrested on charges of five counts of home invasion and five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (kitchen pan), Worcester police said.  Investigators said the quartet pushed their way into a home on Houghton Street around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, and attacked the people inside, authorities said. Police a…
Nearly 100 Pounds Of Drugs, Multiple Guns Seized From West Springfield Home Nearly 100 Pounds Of Drugs, Multiple Guns Seized From West Springfield Home
Nearly 100 Pounds Of Drugs, Multiple Guns Seized From West Springfield Home A multi-agency raid at a West Springfield house last week netted officers nearly 100 combined pounds of marijuana, magic mushrooms, cocaine, ecstasy, and edibles, authorities said. Investigators also found several weapons and $40,000 in cash in the home as well.  Maxwell Lacus, 18, and Kathleen Pare, 51, were arrested after police searched their home at 97 Almon Ave on June 13, Massachusetts State Police announced on Tuesday, June 20.  According to investigators, police found inside the home:  60 pounds of marijuana A large quantity of THC edible products. 31 pounds of…
Untraceable 3D-Printed Pistol Confiscated In Northbridge Untraceable 3D-Printed Pistol Confiscated In Northbridge
Untraceable 3D-Printed Pistol Confiscated In Northbridge A routine traffic stop in Worcester County earlier this week led police to discover a homemade, partially 3D-printed pistol without a traceable serial number, authorities said.  Jason Martinez, 26, of Worcester, faces charges of possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, driving with a suspended license, and another traffic infraction, Northbridge police said. He was being held on a $7,500 bail.  A Northbridge officer pulled over Martinez early Saturday morning, May 20, because his car didn't have an inspection sticker. As officers prepar…
Suspected Drug Trafficker Busted With Crack In Central Mass Police Sting: Cops Suspected Drug Trafficker Busted With Crack In Central Mass Police Sting: Cops
Suspected Drug Trafficker Busted With Crack In Central Mass Police Sting: Cops A 36-year-old Worcester man was the target of a police sting that ended with his arrest after officers found large amounts of crack, drug-selling paraphernalia, and a gun in his apartment.  Adelmi Villa is charged with trafficking in a Class B substance (37-99 grams) and possession of ammunition without an FID card, Worcester police said.  Worcester police were surveilling Villa on Tuesday, May 16, when they watched him leave his Vernon Terrace apartment and get into one of his cars, authorities said. Officers followed and pulled him over near the intersection of Main an…
Over 500 Grams Of Cocaine Found During Springfield Apartment Raid: Police Over 500 Grams Of Cocaine Found During Springfield Apartment Raid: Police
Over 500 Grams Of Cocaine Found During Springfield Apartment Raid: Police Authorities in Western Massachusetts uncovered more than 500 grams of cocaine and $27,000 in cash after raiding an apartment this week that resulted in three men being arrested. Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit were conducting an investigating with a man, identified as Carlos Vasquez, as the suspect, Springfield Police report. While detectives were conducting surveillance on the 0-100 block of Standish Street, they saw Vasquez complete a suspected drug deal with another man, identified as Andres Rivera.  This happened around 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, police …
Ghost Gun Stolen Out Of Georgia Found On Springfield 18-Year-Old: Police Ghost Gun Stolen Out Of Georgia Found On Springfield 18-Year-Old: Police
Ghost Gun Stolen Out Of Georgia Found On Springfield 18-Year-Old: Police A Ghost Gun that was reported stolen from the South was found in the possession of an 18-year-old from Massachusetts this week along with drugs, according to authorities.  The Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) was watching Noah Torres, of Springfield, for illegal possession of firearms for several weeks, Springfield Police report.  When detectives learned that Torres was in possession of a gun on Saturday, April 29, they arrested him in the 700 block of Carew Street around 9:50 p.m., police said. As detectives conducted a traffic stop that led to Torres' a…
'Career Armed Criminal': 14 Guns, Meth Found Inside Central Mass Apartment, Police Say 'Career Armed Criminal': 14 Guns, Meth Found Inside Central Mass Apartment, Police Say
'Career Armed Criminal': 14 Guns, Meth Found Inside Central Mass Apartment, Police Say Worcester vice police uncovered a cache of weapons and a large amount of meth after searching the home of a 56-year-old "career armed criminal" on Tuesday, March 21, authorities said.  Detectives were looking to arrest Alexander Shtudiner on an unrelated charge when they went to his apartment on Kinney Drive just before 6:30 p.m. After they put on the handcuffs, officers searched Shtudiner's home and found six pistols, five rifles, and three shotguns — one of which was sawed-off, Worcester police said.  They also found a large pile of what appeared to be meth, officials said.…
Stray Bullet Hits Holyoke Home: Crime-Fighting Tech Tool Led To Bust, Police Say Stray Bullet Hits Holyoke Home: Crime-Fighting Tech Tool Led To Bust, Police Say
Stray Bullet Hits Holyoke Home: Crime-Fighting Tech Tool Led To Bust, Police Say A Hampden County woman called police earlier this week after she said someone fired a bullet through her bedroom window in the middle of the night, authorities said.  Dereck Carattini, 20, was arrested and charged following the Friday, March 3, shooting, Holyoke officials said. But investigators said the bust was thanks to a piece of technology that's becoming a valuable tool for police departments.  ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection network that uses sound-surveillance devices to pinpoint the area where a gun was fired, alerted Holyoke police officers to two potential shots a…
Springfield Car Thief Attempts Getaway After Found In McDonald's Parking Lot Springfield Car Thief Attempts Getaway After Found In McDonald's Parking Lot
Springfield Car Thief Attempts Getaway After Found In McDonald's Parking Lot The search for a stolen car in Western Massachusetts led police to a local McDonald's where they apprehended an 18-year-old Springfield man, authorities said. Police found the stolen vehicle in the McDonald's parking lot on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield around 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, West Springfield Police report.  Arrested – Donovan Marsh A. III age 18 (Hughes St. Springfield) Charges – (1) Receiving Stolen M/V (2) Carry a Firearm... Posted by West Springfield Police Department on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 When officers approached the vehicle, the person inside, later…
Heath Man Who Drunkenly Shot At Friends As He Chased Them Gets 5 Years: DA Heath Man Who Drunkenly Shot At Friends As He Chased Them Gets 5 Years: DA
Heath Man Who Drunkenly Shot At Friends As He Chased Them Gets 5 Years: DA A 39-year-old Franklin County man who admitted to terrorizing his friends by chasing them through the woods while firing shots at them received a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday, Jan. 31, authorities said. Olin Schwenger-Sartz, 39, of Heath, pleaded guilty to 10 charges, including two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a loaded firearm while intoxicated, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Schwenger-Sartz's tenant was found passed out at his Rowe Road home on Oct. 4, 2020. They called their friend to help th…
Springfield Men Accused Of Attacking, Tripping Undercover Police Officer: DA Springfield Men Accused Of Attacking, Tripping Undercover Police Officer: DA
Springfield Men Accused Of Attacking, Tripping Undercover Police Officer: DA A Hampden County Grand Jury has returned indictments charging two Springfield men for their alleged roles in an attack on an undercover police officer last year, officials said.  Fabian Rosario, age 21, allegedly hit the officer in the face with a liquor bottle on High Street in Springfield on July 12, 2022, the Hampden County District Attorney's Office said on Facebook. The officer was part of a multi-department operation to deter drug dealing, firearms activity and prostitution in several areas throughout the city, the DA's Office continued. Two suspects indicted in assault on under…
Man From Region Busted For Leaving Scene Of Crash, Having Pistol, Police Say Man From Region Busted For Leaving Scene Of Crash, Having Pistol, Police Say
Man From Region Busted For Leaving Scene Of Crash, Having Pistol, Police Say A Connecticut man who allegedly crashed his pickup truck and then walked home was also busted for having a pistol in the vehicle without a license. The incident took place in Hartford County around 5:15 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 11 on Route 4 in Burlington. According to Connecticut State Police, troopers responded to a report of a crash on Route 4 in the town of Burlington. Responding troopers found damage and located a Ford pickup truck with damage off the roadway, positioned up against a tree, police said. Police said while checking the interior of the truck, troopers found a handgun in plain …
Mass Fugitive Wanted For Attempted Murder Caught In New Hampshire: Police Mass Fugitive Wanted For Attempted Murder Caught In New Hampshire: Police
Mass Fugitive Wanted For Attempted Murder Caught In New Hampshire: Police A 21-year-old man from the Merrimack Valley wanted for attempted murder was arrested in New Hampshire this week, authorities said. Seth J. Castillo, of Haverhill, MA, was arrested at 30 Bridge Street in Pelham, NH, around 7:48 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, Pelham Police said on Facebook. Pelham Police Arrest Man Wanted for Attempted Murder On 12/2/22 at approximately 6:30 pm, the Pelham, NH Police... Posted by Pelham Police Department on Saturday, December 3, 2022 Castillo was wanted on attempted murder charges stemming from an incident in Lawrence, police added. He is facing several charg…
Man Charged After 37-Year-Old Woman From Region Found Dead In Apartment Man Charged After 37-Year-Old Woman From Region Found Dead In Apartment
Man Charged After 37-Year-Old Woman From Region Found Dead In Apartment A Connecticut man has been arrested after a woman was found dead in his apartment and police found a large cache of drugs. New Haven County resident David Edward Vasquez, age 35, of Milford, was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 11. According to Milford Police, officers and the Milford Fire Department responded to a medical emergency at 5 Schooner Lane, on Tuesday, Oct. 11. Once inside the apartment, officers found a 37-year-old woman from Farmington, dead inside, police said. After a lengthy investigation, Vasquez was arrested and charged with cruelty to persons. Apartment 3L, David E…
Police Descended On Palmer For Stolen Vermont Truck Full Of Guns, Armor Police Descended On Palmer For Stolen Vermont Truck Full Of Guns, Armor
Police Descended On Palmer For Stolen Vermont Truck Full Of Guns, Armor Police blocked off a portion of Gay Street in Palmer Tuesday morning, Oct. 18, after someone spotted a stolen truck out of Vermont parked three. The owner of the Chevrolet said it was full of guns and body armor when it was taken from Whitingham the night before, which is why Massachusetts State Police and tactical teams were also at the scene, authorities said in a news release.  Police did not find any weapons in the truck, and the person who stole it had run away, authorities noted. Officers searched a nearby apartment complex and a house, but police did not find the suspect.&nb…
Suspect In Custody After Hostage Situation In Worcester (UPDATE) Suspect In Custody After Hostage Situation In Worcester (UPDATE)
Suspect In Custody After Hostage Situation In Worcester (Update) A suspect is in custody after authorities responded to an active hostage situation where a person barricaded themselves inside of a home in Worcester, authorities said.  Officers were serving an arrest warrant for Edward Kloucek at his home at 5 East Kendall Street around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, Worcester Police said. Kloucek was wanted to not having a license to carry firearms and officers learned that he has a rifle in his possession.  Police confirm a hostage situation is ongoing at 5 East Kendall. Large group of officers outfitted in tactical gear on corner of Eastern Avenu…
Boston-Area Man Under House Arrest For Pointing Replica Rifle At Passing Cars Boston-Area Man Under House Arrest For Pointing Replica Rifle At Passing Cars
Boston-Area Man Under House Arrest For Pointing Replica Rifle At Passing Cars A Winthrop man is under house arrest for threatening people with a realistic-looking replica of an assault weapon, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.  Gregory Gill, age 23, was caught sitting atop a military vehicle and pointing the weapon at passing cars before Winthrop's Independence Day parade on Saturday, July 2, Hayden said.  Gill was also apparently shouting, "Heat shot, boom," loud enough for each car to hear. Gill and the weapon were later taken into police custody. Hayden commented on the fragility surrounding the incident following the recent m…