SPRINGFIELD, MA — Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit and Hampden County Sheriff’s Department arrested five suspects Wednesday in connection with open-air drug dealing in Gurdon Bill Park.
The arrests occurred at approximately 2 p.m. Nov. 12 in the park, which is located at Genesee, Liberty and Warwick Streets.
Concerned citizens had contacted the Firearms Investigation Unit about open-air drug use and dealing in the park.
FIU detectives began investigating and observed individuals utilizing tents in the wooded area near Genesee Street.
Detectives conducting surveillance observed individuals buying drugs and then ingesting or injecting the drugs in the park.
FIU detectives observed approximately two dozen suspected drug deals occur over the course of two days.
Around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, detectives observed a suspected drug deal and watched the subject leave the park in a vehicle.
Detectives stopped the subject on Governor Street and recovered crack-cocaine.
That suspect was released and will receive a criminal complaint.
FIU detectives then observed another suspected drug deal.
Detectives and sheriff’s deputies converged on the encampment and detained five subjects.
Ernesto Cruzado-Torres attempted to run away but was quickly stopped.
FIU detectives recovered crack-cocaine on Cruzado-Torres, who also had four outstanding arrest warrants.
During a search of the encampment, detectives located and recovered a rifle.
Detectives also recovered approximately 48 Gabapentin pills, approximately 2.6 grams of crack-cocaine and $287 in cash.
Sergio Hernandez, 45, of Springfield, is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, firearm violation with one prior violent/drug crime, conspiracy to violate drug law, improper storage of a firearm, violation of a drug free park zone, possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and possession with the intent to distribute a Class E drug.
Jonathan Perez-Rodriguez, 42, of Springfield, is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, firearm violation with one prior violent/drug crime, conspiracy to violate drug law, improper storage of a firearm, violation of a drug free park zone, possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and possession with the intent to distribute a Class E drug.
Carlos Suarez, 30, of Springfield, is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, conspiracy to violate drug law, improper storage of a firearm, violation of a drug free park zone, possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and possession with the intent to distribute a Class E drug.
Amanda Farrell, 40, of Springfield, is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, conspiracy to violate drug law, improper storage of a firearm, violation of a drug free park zone, possession with the intent to distribute a Class B drug and possession with the intent to distribute a Class E drug.
Cruzado-Torres, 37, of Springfield, is charged with four arrest warrants and possession of a Class B drug.
