Springfield's ongoing struggle with illegal firearms was underscored again yesterday evening when police seized the 310th weapon this year after responding to a shots fired call. The incident occurred on Fort Pleasant Avenue in Springfield, as officers arrived around 8:45 p.m. to a reported shooting.
Upon their arrival, evidence gathered in an alleyway soon to lead them to an apartment that showed signs of gunfire, with bullet holes marking its door and window. Inside, they found two individuals, Ivan Brewster Jr. and Jahleo Paquin, and observed more bullet holes. Police took into custody a large-capacity firearm, as well as ammunition and crack-cocaine. According to the Springfield Police Department, this seizure represents a significant marker in their efforts to curb gun violence in the city.
The two men found at the scene are now facing serious charges. Ivan Brewster Jr., 41, from Springfield, has been charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, improper storage of a large capacity firearm, possession of ammunition without an FID card, along with several warrants. Jahleo Paquin, 26, of Three Rivers, faces similar firearm-related charges, as well as possession of a Class B drug.
