Multi-force policing effort lands 31 arrests in two days
Date: 8/8/2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comHOLYOKE — Police Chief James Neiswanger told
Reminder Publications the coordinated raid on certain "hot spots" in the city was designed to "put a dent in the unsavory elements."
The raid, called Specific Targeted Area Response Tactics, (START), was on July 28 and 29, and included participation from the FBI Gang Task Force, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, state police gang unit and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Neiswanger lauded the work of Lt. Manuel Febo of the department's community policing effort for making the raid a reality.
The chief added that because of the relationship the Holyoke police have with other law enforcement agencies, the planning for the action was not "a long drawn-out process."
He said the strategy was to hit the targeted areas hard and then move in with additional community policing activities. This START program was in south Holyoke, the Flats, Churchill, Appleton and Elms streets areas.
"We do our best to stabilize the area," Neiswanger said.
The key to taking back a neighborhood, Neiswanger explained, is to work with building owners, civic groups, churches and businesses.
While the chief said the department wasn't going to undertake START programs "all the time," he did say it could be used again.
Those arrested include:
• Luz Ubibes, 22, 177 Elm St., Apt. 1R; possession of a firearm without an Firearms Identification (FID) card, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, violation of a drug-free zone and removal of a firearm serial number.
• Jose Maldonado, 17, of 177 Elm St., Apt. 1R; possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and violation of a drug-free school zone.
• Emanuel Badillo, 21, 177 Elm St., Apt. 1R; possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, violation of a drug-free zone and removal of a firearm serial number.
• Alexander Jimenez, 20, 177 Elm St., Apt. 1R; default warrant.
• Connie Jackon, 43, 51 High St., West Springfield; trespassing.
• Kyle Kos, 25, 388 Pleasant St.; possession of Class A drug with intent to distribute, possession of Class A, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
• Melissa Hall, 38, 4 Quaboag Valley Coop, Palmer; possession of Class B.
• Ralphael Serrano, 24, 100 Farnum Drive; wantonly injuring real or personal property.
• Carla Madera, 31, 7 Straits Road, Hatfield; default warrant.
Ronnie Jacobs, 27, 20 Beacon Ave.; default warrant.
• Nicholas Rodriguez, 22, 144 Carew St., Springfield; larceny over $250.
• Eric Cooper, 27, 24 Lyman St., Easthampton; possession of heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws, trespass, reckless endangerment of children (3-year-old son was in the vehicle).
• David Wielgus, 33 Chapman Ave., Easthampton; possession of heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
• Ryan Ribeiro, 24, 39 Chapman Ave., Easthampton; conspiracy to violate drug laws.
• Rafael Roman, 43, 10 Lowell St., Springfield; possession of Class A drug.
• Angel Arroyo, 27, 99 Farnum Drive; possession of Class A drug, disorderly conduct.
• Charles Little, 53, 139 Bay St., Springfield; assault and battery on a child.
• Jamie Garcia, 24, F2 Monroe St., possession of Class A drug.
• Alicia Miller, 23, 123 Lachine St., Chicopee; operating after suspension.
• John Joslin, 44, 51 High St., West Springfield; trespass.
• Luis Burgos, 27, 560 S. Summer St.; arrest warrant.
• Stephen Whalen, 22, 70 Silver St., Lee; default warrant.
• Gilbert Terrell, 68, 500 Pufton Village, Amherst; revoked license, marked lanes violation.
• Albert Rivera, 25, 91 E. Park St., Springfield; arrest warrant.
• Christopher Caballero, 19, 181 Chestnut St., possession of Class A drug with intent to distribute, possession of Class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
• Abraham Heredia, 20, 55 Congress Ave.; possession of Class A with intent to distribute, possession of Class A, conspiracy to violate drug laws.
• Diana Rodriguez, 46, 391 Pleasant St.; possession of a Class B drug (PCP).
• Sara Lazier, 29, 387 Riverdale St., West Springfield; default warrant.
• Timothy Asselin, 33, 49 Syrek St., Chicopee; possession of a Class B drug, failure to stop for stop sign.
• Emanuel Cintron, 17, 300 Chestnut St., Apt. 4F; disorderly conduct, possession of Class A drug, possession of Class A drug with intent to distribute.
•
Jonathan Vargas, 25, 131 Sargeant St., Apt. 3L; arrest warrant.
