A Springfield Police Department intervention resulted in the seizure of an illegal firearm and the arrest of a local man on Sunday. Officers apprehended 39-year-old Angel Vazquez after responding to a reported disturbance on the 0-100 block of Spring Street at approximately 4:50 p.m. Vazquez is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm without an FID card, according to an official report by the Springfield Police Department.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers learned that not only had an assault taken place involving a victim and a child, but also that Vazquez was suspected of possessing a firearm. When officers first attempted to contact Vazquez, he refused to open the door, heightening their suspicions. After about fifteen minutes of negotiation and receiving additional information about the firearm, Vazquez finally opened the door. Upon realizing the weapon was visible, he attempted to shut the door but was stopped by the responding officers.
The seized weapon was identified as a "Ghost Gun," capable of holding 12 rounds of ammunition, which was loaded and found within reach on Vazquez's couch. A "Ghost Gun" refers to a firearm assembled from parts that lacks a serial number, making it difficult to trace and regulate. The Springfield Police Department's report outlines that, following the incident, Vazquez was arrested on several counts, including assault and battery, as well as charges relating to the illegal possession and handling of the ghost gun.
