Springfield police made a significant bust on Friday evening, seizing a loaded large-capacity firearm, various narcotics, and arresting two individuals for multiple drug and firearms-related offenses. According to police, at approximately 6:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to a gun call on the 200 block of Orange Street.
Upon arrival, police identified Daquan Hackett, 32, and Felix Smith-Ward, 39, attempting to walk away from the scene near a truck on Malden Street. Both men initially refused commands from officers and entered an apartment alleged they had no right to be in, the Springfield Police Department reported. Smith-Ward presented himself to officers shortly thereafter, and he was taken into custody on drug charges.
Searches of both the truck and a subsequent vehicle stop involving Hackett led to the discovery of the firearm, which was equipped with 15 rounds of ammunition, along with more than 100 bags of heroin, more than 4 grams of crack-cocaine, marijuana, and a sum of cash. Hackett, who eventually left the apartment on Malden Street, was stopped by detectives and officers on the 100 block of Orange Street and was found in a vehicle with three other occupants.
Hackett faces a multitude of charges including carrying and improper storage of a large-capacity firearm, home invasion, and drug offenses pertaining to heroin and crack-cocaine. His criminal record shows a prior violent or drug-related offense, elevating some of the charges against him. Smith-Ward has been charged with possession and the intent to distribute class A, B, and D drugs, as well as conspiracy to violate drug law.
The Springfield Police Department's takedown underscores their continued effort to combat the grip of illegal firearms and drugs within their community. Both suspects are currently awaiting trial, with their arrests serving as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement face in this ongoing battle against illicit activities.
