Yesterday morning, Holyoke Police Officers, Ashley Feliciano and Giovanni Abella, were thrust into a volatile confrontation as a fight escalated into gunfire at High and Lyman Street. According to a social media post from the Holyoke Police Department, the officers were commended by Chief Isaias Cruz for their swift and decisive actions in what could have been a deadly encounter.
During their watch over a local establishment, which according to the official narrative, Feliciano and Abella observed a fight break out, followed by one individual, subsequently identified as Erik Santiago, discharging a firearm. Santiago fired at another individual but missed the intended target. Despite the danger, Feliciano and Abella rushed towards the conflict as Santiago made an attempt to flee the scene. The officers managed to pursue and apprehend the shooter and seized the weapon. In the course of the incident, no casualties were reported; however, Santiago is facing multiple serious charges, among them attempted murder and possession of a large capacity firearm.
The police department's post detailed the charges against Santiago, which include attempted murder, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, possession of a loaded firearm without FID, possession of a Class A substance (heroin), and several others related to firearm and ammunition possession and storage. Santiago's bail was set at $50,000, with an arraignment scheduled for tomorrow in Holyoke District Court.
"Excellent work, Officers Feliciano and Abella. You both prevented a tragedy and demonstrated exceptional bravery in a dangerous situation," praised Interim Chief Isaias Cruz, in the statement released by the Holyoke Police Department.
