Springfield saw a coordinated police response leading to the arrest of three men, and the seizure of a loaded large capacity firearm following an armed robbery last week. According to a report by the Springfield Police Department, surveillance cameras detected the armed assault in progress Wednesday night.
The City's Real-Time Analysis Center alerted officers after the suspects were observed committing the assault around the intersection of School and High Streets. One of the suspects, later identified as Manuel Torres, was seen discarding a firearm under a car as the police approached. The officers recovered a firearm loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition, which was capable of holding 15 rounds, under an vehicle near High and Myrtle Streets.
Manuel Torres, 27, of Springfield, was subsequently arrested on Myrtle Street and is facing multiple charges including armed robbery and assault. The victim, now hospitalized with serious head injuries, recounted being robbed of his television and struck repeatedly with the butt of a gun.
Springfield's R-TAC analysts directed officers to two additional suspects. Denis Rivera, 45, also of Springfield, was taken into custody on High Street. The third suspect, Jordan Lazu, 30, was found near Myrtle and High Streets and arrested with two knives in his possession. Each suspect has been charged with a range of offences, including armed robbery and assault & battery with a dangerous weapon, causing serious bodily injury.
The arrests of Torres, Rivera, and Lazu followed the use of surveillance technology by the Springfield Police Department. All three individuals are currently undergoing legal proceedings in connection with the charges filed against them.
