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Springfield man faces 19 charges after Ludlow police chase, crash

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LUDLOW — A Springfield man was arrested and charged with 19 offenses, including firearm and multiple motor vehicle violations, after a Tuesday afternoon incident, according to Ludlow Police Chief Daniel Valadas.

Dayne Bennett, age 30, of Springfield, is facing charges such as reckless operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault on a police officer, following a pursuit that ended in a collision.

On Jan. 14, around 2:20 p.m., Ludlow Police stationed at the police department parking lot at 612 Chapin St. observed a gray Acura MDX striking a mailbox on Chapin Street and then speeding away.

When police tried to stop the Acura, the vehicle was driven erratically and eventually crashed into a Honda Pilot at the intersection of Chapin Street and Sportsman’s Road.

The collision caused significant damage to the Honda Pilot, and one of its occupants was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bennett’s Acura continued but lost control and crashed into a cement bridge abutment, where the vehicle became immobilized due to deployed airbags.

Upon approaching the Acura, officers found a handgun on the driver’s seat floor.

The initial investigation revealed that the gun was loaded, Bennett did not have a firearm license or ammunition permit, and his driver’s license was suspended.

During the booking process, Bennett became aggressive, resulting in an officer’s injury that required hospital care.

Bennett was arraigned in Palmer District Court on Wednesday and held on $20,000 bail.

Traffic was significantly disrupted due to the incident, affecting school transportation and parent pick-up.

This marked the second firearm seizure by Ludlow Police in two months and the second felonious motor vehicle pursuit in a week.

On Jan. 13, a police officer attempted to stop a stolen BMW sedan, which fled towards the Massachusetts Turnpike at dangerous speeds, forcing officers to discontinue the chase.

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