In a recent stroke of proactive policing, the Holyoke Police Department announced the recovery of a stolen car and the seizure of narcotics, following a focused effort to dismantle drug dealing operations in the Elm Street, Appleton Street, and Suffolk Street areas. The information, released on a Facebook post by the department, cites Police Chief Brian Keenan detailing the events last Friday.
Around 9:30 a.m., Holyoke Police Officer Joshua Salas was observing the 100 block of Elm Street, responding to citizen complaints related to open-air drug sales. During his surveillance, Salas spotted a vehicle partaking in activities suspected to be drug-related. Acting on further investigation, it was found to be stolen. As stated in the post, five people were inside the car when Officer Salas initiated a traffic stop. Three individuals attempted an escape on foot, including the driver, but while running, they were promptly detained by Officer Salas, to which Hampden County Sheriff’s Deputies provided aid.
The remaining two suspects in the vehicle were also taken into custody after officers noted the presence of empty and used crack vials inside the car. The driver, identified as Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado, was arrested on charges related to the possession of the stolen vehicle. Jesus Jauridez, one of the passengers, was found in possession of crack-cocaine and heroin/fentanyl and was subsequently arrested. According to the Facebook post, ammunition was also discovered in his motel room, leading to a further charge of ammunition possession without an FID card. Vanessa LaFlamme, another passenger, had outstanding warrants and was also in possession of crack-cocaine, leading to her arrest.
According to the Holyoke Police Department, the two who fled from the vehicle were later released. Details on the charges present the 24-year-old Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado facing counts for receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Jesus Jauridez, 43, is being charged with possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. The 41-year-old Vanessa LaFlamme from Springfield faces charges for possession of a Class B drug and was also arrested on an outstanding warrant.
