Springfield Police Department's Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU), in collaboration with Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, have arrested two individuals in a drug and firearms sting. The operation, directed by Lieutenant Jaime Bruno and Sergeant Evan Donermeyer, took place on July 4th, leading to the apprehension of two suspects and the confiscation of drugs and weaponry on the streets of Springfield.
According to the official release from the Springfield Police Department, detectives had previously targeted two individuals suspected to have been distributing crack-cocaine and illegally carrying firearms. The arrests were made around 11:50 a.m., following attempts to detain the suspects on Summit Street. Both individuals attempted to quickly flee the scene, resulting in short foot pursuits before their eventual capture.
The suspects were identified as 26-year-old Keven Velazquez and 20-year-old Luis Rivera, both of Springfield. Velazquez is being charged with a multitude of firearms and drug-related offenses, including carrying and improperly storing a loaded large capacity firearm, cocaine trafficking, and resisting arrest. Rivera faces charges related to cocaine trafficking, conspiracy to violate drug law, and resisting arrest.
From Rivera, detectives confiscated approximately 322 grams of crack-cocaine, initiating additional charges. Velazquez was found in possession of an illegal firearm loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, alongside approximately 37 pills of Clonazepam, a prescription medication. These findings have further warranted the charges against Velazquez and reinforced the Police Department's focus on eradicating illicit substances and firearms from the community.
