Over a tumultuous weekend early this month, Holyoke police made significant strides in thwarting local criminal activity, according to an announcement on the Holyoke Police Department's Facebook page. Police Chief Brian Keenan reported that three firearms, as well as a substantial quantity of fentanyl, were seized following investigations spanning from April 4 to April 6. Officers initially responded to a disturbance at the Holyoke Mall on April 4 where they arrested two individuals, Joshua Acevedo and Nexon Rios, after a scuffle that led to a stolen phone and cash. The victim of the incident was transported to Holyoke Medical Center to check on his injuries.
The weekend's operation progressed on April 5 when officers, executing a search warrant on the vehicle used by Acevedo and Rios, discovered a firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, additional inquiries indicated that a third suspect, Gabriel Del Valle, had possession of firearms. Subsequent surveillance and a search of Del Valle’s Walnut Street residence on April 6 resulted in the apprehension of Del Valle and the discovery of another loaded firearm and around 15 grams of suspected fentanyl, along with fentanyl pills. Police noted that one firearm recovered was reported stolen from Baltimore, Maryland.
Acevedo's past convictions were highlighted by the department, outlining his history of firearm offenses and violent behavior. The 24-year-old from Springfield faces a battery of charges including carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possessing a large capacity feeding device. According to the Holyoke Police Department, he also faces charges for violations related to prior violent and drug convictions.
As for Del Valle, the 29-year-old Holyoke resident is now charged with multiple counts, including possession and trafficking of fentanyl, and receiving stolen property. Rios, a 22-year-old from Springfield, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and related offenses, the Holyoke Police Department detailed each suspect's charges respectively on their post.
