Springfield Police Department

10/13/2026

SPD Officers with Assist from MSP Troopers Arrest Two Home Invasion and Car-Break Suspects

Springfield, Mass. --- On Sunday October 11th at approximately 3:10 a.m., Springfield Police Officers assigned to the Squad “A” Uniform Division assisted by Massachusetts State Police Troopers arrested two suspects in connection with a home invasion and several car-breaks.

Around 1:35 a.m., officers responded to the 0-100 block of Rutledge Avenue for a gun call. A victim stated two unknown individuals, one potentially armed, were inside a shared multi-family home attempting to gain access to his apartment.

When confronted, the two suspects ran away. Members of the Springfield Police Real-Time Analysis Center (R-TAC) informed officers that two subjects were seen on city cameras running from Rutledge Avenue at that time.

Shortly after, officers received a report that there were two subjects actively breaking or attempting to break-in vehicles on the 800 block of East Columbus Avenue that matched the description of the aforementioned suspects from the attempted home invasion on Rutledge Avenue.

State Troopers in the area observed the suspects and detained them near the intersection of Main Street and Norwood Street. Officers arrived and recovered a wallet from a victim. The suspects were identified as 17-year-old juvenile males.

Reviewing video, officers observed two suspects attempting to break into seven vehicles and gained entry to one vehicle, where the wallet was allegedly stolen from.

The two juveniles were placed under arrest. Due to their ages, their names will not be released.

10/09/2026

Traffic Stop Leads to Recovery of AR-Style R***e

Springfield, Mass. --- On Thursday October 8th at approximately 5:30 p.m., Springfield Police Officers assigned to the Squad “C” Uniform Division seized an AR-Style R***e and arrested 21-year-old Jose Velazquez.

A few minutes earlier, officers were in the area of Worthington Street and Chestnut Street when they heard a vehicle accelerating aggressively and observed the driver appear to be speeding. Officers then observed the driver pass several cars on the shoulder of the road.

Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection on the 100 block of Liberty Street. The driver, identified as Velazquez, appeared to be moving an item in the vehicle as officers approached.

Officers could see a magazine of a r***e under the passenger seat. Velazquez was placed under arrest and officers recovered an AR-Style r***e in the vehicle. The fi***rm was reported stolen out of Ohio.

21-year-old Jose Velazquez of Springfield is charged with:

Possession of a Fi***rm without an FID Card
Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
Possession of Am******on without an FID Card
Unlicensed Possession of an Assault Weapon
Carrying an Unloaded Large Capacity Fi***rm on a Public Way

10/08/2026

Joint Investigation Leads to Recovery of AR-Style R***e and Ghost Gun; 15-year-old Suspect Cut off Ankle Bracelet

Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday October 8th at approximately 3:40 a.m., members of the Springfield Police Fi***rms Investigation Unit (FIU), Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit West, Massachusetts State Police STOP Team and Hampden County Sheriff’s Office seized an AR-Style R***e and Ghost Gun after executing a search warrant on the 500 block of Dickinson Street.

The MSP Gang Unit West and SPD FIU have been investigating an apartment on the 500 block of Dickinson Street. Troopers applied for and were granted a search warrant for the apartment.

Around 3:40 a.m., the warrant was executed. Detectives and Troopers located an AR-Style r***e and a large-capacity Ghost Gun under the bed of a 15-year-old juvenile male suspect. This suspect had removed a court-ordered GPS ankle bracelet issued due to prior fi***rms charges.

The r***e was loaded and capable of holding 30 rounds of am******on. The Ghost Gun was loaded and capable of holding 11 rounds of am******on. Loose am******on was also seized inside the apartment.

The 15-year-old juvenile was placed under arrest, due to his age, his name will not be released.

10/08/2026

SPD Neighborhood Stabilization Bureau Officers Seize Loaded Fi***rm

Springfield, Mass. --- On Wednesday October 7th at approximately 1:25 p.m., members of the Springfield Police Neighborhood Stabilization Bureau under the direction of Lieutenant Brian Elliott recovered a loaded fi***rm and arrested 24-year-old Victor Manuel-Ortiz Jr. at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Lyman Street.

On Tuesday, Union Station security trespassed Manuel-Ortiz, after seeing him allegedly hid and retrieve a fi***rm from inside the Union Station garage.

On Wednesday, security alerted Springfield Police Officers that Manuel-Ortiz returned to Union Station and was carrying a backpack.

Officers located Manuel-Ortiz and attempted to place him under arrest for trespassing, but he ran away. After a short foot pursuit, officers placed him into custody at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Lyman Street. Officers located his backpack nearby and recovered a loaded fi***rm and loose am******on.

24-year-old Victor Manuel Ortiz Jr. of Ludlow is charged with:

Carrying a Fi***rm without a License
Carrying a Loaded Fi***rm without a License
Improper Storage of a Fi***rm
Possession of Am******on without an FID Card
Resisting Arrest
Trespassing

10/06/2026

Anti-OHV Details Lead to Seizure of a Dirt Bike, Quad, Illegal Tank Motorcycle & Scooter

Springfield, Mass. – On Thursday October 1st and Saturday October 3rd, members of the Springfield Police Department working an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement detail seized a Dirt Bike, Quad, Illegal Tank Motorcycle and Illegal Scooter.

Springfield Police Officers conduct these details to deter the illegal riding of dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles. These vehicles are illegal on any city street and have led to serious injuries and death to numerous riders. Some riders are also known to drive recklessly, putting pedestrians and other vehicular traffic in danger.

On Thursday around 4:50 p.m., officers working this detail seized an illegal Tank Motorcycle and arrested a 16-year-old male rider on the 100 block of Nottingham Street.

Shortly prior, officers observed the rider on Carew Street, without a license plate attached to the motorcycle. The rider also was not wearing a helmet. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the rider rode away recklessly until his motorcycle stalled out on Nottingham Street. The rider, a 16-year-old male, was placed under arrest. The motorcycle was unregistered and uninsured. The name of the rider will not be released due to his age.

Shortly before 6:00 p.m., officers observed a high-powered scooter on Liberty Street, with the rider performing “wheelies”. Officers attempted to stop the rider, who refused and rode past an officer. The 15-year-old male operator was ultimately stopped at the intersection of St. James Blvd. and Corona Street. The rider did not have a license and will be issued a criminal complaint.

On Saturday, officers located a Quad being operated on Girard Avenue. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the 100 block of Marion Street and issued the 14-year-old male rider a citation and seized the Quad.

Later Saturday, officers located a stalled-out dirt bike on Greene St. The dirt bike was seized and towed.

The Springfield Police Department has now seized 145 illegal off-highway-vehicles and illegal motorcycles mainly due in part to these continued Anti-OHV details.

10/06/2026

Springfield Police Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Springfield, Mass. — This month, you may see some Springfield Police Officers wearing a pink patch on their sleeve. These special patches, symbolize the department's support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 18th, dozens of police officers will also volunteer at the Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer death rates in the United States have dropped by 44% since 1989. That’s not a coincidence. For 40 years, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped raise awareness of breast cancer across the nation. It has encouraged millions to take action, resulting in increased early detection and advancements in treatment that have saved more than half a million lives.

10/06/2026

Springfield Police Department Shares Resources and Services in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Springfield, Mass. --- Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized each October. As part of this awareness campaign, the Springfield Police Department is sharing warning signs, resources and services for those who may be experiencing domestic violence.
The Springfield Police Department has a dedicated team of domestic violence advocates. The domestic violence advocates work alongside detectives in the Springfield Police Special Victims Unit. Emergency Restraining Orders can be filed after 4:30 p.m. When courts are closed and all day on weekends and holidays. If an advocate is not available, a Special Victims Detectives can assist you.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior which can involve physical, s*xual, financial, emotional and/or psychological abuse. It impacts people who are married, divorced, living together or dating from all social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic groups. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers stated, “During Domestic Violence Awareness Month we like to remind our community that the Springfield Police Department is always available to those who need it. Domestic violence doesn’t just affect the victim, it affects their children and family. Traumatic events threaten our sense of safety and I encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim or knows someone who is, to reach out to our advocates or utilize the other resources that are available in our area. Our advocates do exemplary work that is recognized within our community and across the state.”

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I am proud to stand with and support Superintendent Lawrence Akers, our domestic violence advocates, and the brave and dedicated men and women in blue as we continue to offer any assistance and resources that are needed to support victims and survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious issue and it is important to help bring awareness and share the resources and services that are available.

Our Springfield Police Department has a dedicated staff of domestic violence advocates to provide help and support to victims and I want to encourage everyone to share this vital and potentially life-saving information, and help educate and bring awareness as we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month in our community.”

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 10 million people in the United States experience physical abuse from a partner every year. In 2025, Springfield Police Officers responded to nearly 8900 calls for a domestic disturbance. So far in 2026 (through September), officers have responded to more than 6300 domestic violence calls, which is more than 23 responses by officers each day.

Local Services:
• In an emergency call 9-1-1
• SPD Domestic Violence Coordinator Milta Vargas: 413-735-1519
• SPD Senior Domestic Violence Advocate Sarah Henry: 413-735-1510
• SPD Domestic Violence Advocate Sabrina Lopez: 413-735-1519

Advocates Help With:
• Safety Planning and Risk Assessment
• Referrals to Community Services
• 209A Rights and Options
• Following up with Victims
• Facilitating Court Appearances

Know the Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship:
Does your partner:
• Act very jealous or possessive?
• Try to keep you from having other friends?
• Tell you what you can and can’t wear?
• Put you down or say things to purposely hurt your feelings?
• Pressure you for s*x?
• Pressure you to use alcohol or other drugs?
• Make you call and check in constantly or check to see who called you?
• Hit, push, kick, strangle or otherwise physically hurt you?

Signs of Domestic Violence:
Domestic Violence is more than physical violence. The victim’s partner may do things that make the victim afraid or isolate them from family or friends. Additional signs may include:

• Constant criticism of the victim and their abilities as a spouse or partner, parent or employee
• Controlling Money
• Overprotectiveness or extreme jealousy
• Threatening harm to the victim, or their children, pets, family members, friends or themselves
• Sudden anger
• Destruction of personal property such as personal papers and memorabilia
• Intimidation or manipulation tactics
• Physical violence such as hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shoving, etc.
• Preventing the victim from going where they want to when they want to
• Forcing or coercing the victim into s*x that makes them feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or ashamed
• Humiliating or embarrassing the victim in front of others
Additional information about warning signs, services, safe havens and legal options can be found on the Springfield Police Department Website -

The SPD has put together some helpful tools for understanding Domestic Violence and how to get help for yourself or someone you know.

10/06/2026

The Springfield Police Detective Bureau is seeking your help to identify this person of interest in connection with a bank robbery on Friday August 21st on the 500 block of Sumner Avenue. The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m.

The person of interest if approximately 5'9'' and 160 pounds.

If can identify this person of interest, please contact Detectives at 413-787-6355, anonymously Text-A-Tip, Text CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) type SOLVE and your tip, or leave us a private message on Facebook messenger.

Thank you for your assistance.

10/05/2026

SPD Officers Recover Two Ghost Guns, Including Machine Gun

Springfield, Mass. --- On Friday October 2nd at approximately 1:50 a.m., Springfield Police Officers assigned to the Squad “A” Uniform Division arrested three suspects and seized two Ghost Guns.

Around 12:30 a.m., officers responded to a restaurant on the 700 block of State Street for a report of an armed robbery. Officers received descriptions of three suspects.

Officers located three individuals matching the description of the suspects in a parked car on the 0-100 block of Buckingham Street and conducted a traffic stop.

The female driver, identified as Nyasia Estrado and her passengers Jayden Arroyo and a 16-year-old juvenile male exited the vehicle. Officers then located two fi***rms inside the car. The three suspects were placed under arrest on fi***rms charges.

Both fi***rms were Ghost Guns, one had a sear selector switch, making the fi***rm a fully-automatic machine gun.

21-year-old Nyasia Estrado of Chicopee is charged with:

Carrying a Loaded Fi***rm without a License
Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun

19-year-old Jaden Arroyo of Springfield is charged with:

Carrying a Loaded Fi***rm without a License
Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun

The 16-year-old's name will not be released due to his age.

10/02/2026

Annual Fitness Assessment

Springfield, Mass. - Thursday morning, members of the Springfield Police Department participated in the annual fitness assessment, conducted under the direction of Captain Barbieri and her training staff. These assessments help ensure our sworn personnel stay fit and accountable to themselves and the citizens of Springfield.

The assessment involves pushups, planks, a 300 yard sprint and a mile and a half run with times and numbers based on the officers’ ages.