HOLYOKE — Holyoke police arrested 12 people, including a stabbing suspect, during a multi-agency drug operation Thursday that targeted open-air drug distribution in the city.
Police Chief Brian Keenan announced the operation was led by the Holyoke Police Narcotics/Vice Unit and Criminal Investigations Bureau in coordination with the Hampden District Attorney’s SAFE Unit, Massachusetts State Police CINRET West, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, Hampden County Narcotics Task Force and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department.
The operation focused on known “hot spots” for open-air drug dealing in alleyways throughout the city.
Two additional criminal complaints were filed during the operation.
Around 2 p.m., officers investigating near 7 Cabot Street identified Jose Luis-Reyes as a suspect conducting drug transactions.
Luis-Reyes fled on a bicycle when police arrived but was stopped in an alleyway on Hamilton Street.
Officers recovered approximately 1.4 grams of crack-cocaine and $121 in cash.
The 51-year-old Holyoke man was charged with distribution of a Class B drug, possession of a Class B drug and trespassing.
Around 2:15 p.m., officers observed suspected drug activity near 456 Maple Street and stopped Jason Simmons on Franklin Street.
Officers recovered 12 vials of crack-cocaine from Simmons.
The 45-year-old Holyoke man was charged with possession of a Class B drug.
Around 3:05 p.m., officers approached several subjects in an alleyway near 120 Sargeant Street after observing drug activity.
Officers detained Luis Nieves and recovered one vial of cocaine, five bags of heroin/fentanyl and nearly $200 in cash.
Omar Burgos ran away and was taken into custody near 648 High Street, where officers recovered a bag with 50 vials of cocaine.
Isaac Felix was simultaneously taken into custody in a vehicle near 456 Maple Street.
Felix was driving without a license in an uninsured and unregistered car.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered 88 vials of cocaine, five bags of heroin and more than $800 in cash.
Two additional bundles of heroin/fentanyl were found in the area where Nieves and Burgos were initially seen.
Burgos-Rodriguez, 38, of Holyoke was charged with distribution of a Class B drug, possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug, possession of a Class B drug, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Nieves, 44, of Holyoke was charged with possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug, conspiracy to violate drug laws and trespassing.
Felix, 20, of Holyoke was charged with distribution of a Class A drug, distribution of a Class B drug, possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug, possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug, conspiracy to violate drug laws, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unregistered motor vehicle and uninsured motor vehicle.
Around 3:05 p.m., officers observed Richard Wells conduct a suspected drug transaction with Burgos.
Wells got into a car and officers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 391.
Officers recovered six caps of crack-cocaine and six bags of heroin.
Wells, 51, of Chicopee was charged with possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B drug subsequent offense and operating a motor vehicle with a revoked/suspended license.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., officers located Felipe Arenas, a suspect wanted for a stabbing that occurred Sunday near Appleton Street and Elm Street.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
Arenas was found near the intersection of Appleton Street and Chestnut Street.
Officers recovered a knife from Arenas.
The 37-year-old Chicopee man was charged with armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with serious bodily injury.
Around 5:15 p.m., officers observed suspected drug activity near Main and Spring streets.
