SPD FIU Detectives Arrest Repeat Offender with a Loaded Firearm
Springfield, Mass. — On Tuesday April 9th at approximately 5:20 p.m., members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) under the direction of Sergeants Christopher Hitas and David Robillard seized a loaded firearm, heroin, cocaine and cash from a repeat offender.
FIU Detectives were conducting an unrelated investigation when they observed Joshua Heathman in the Rochelle Street area. Detectives were aware Heathman had an active arrest warrant from Springfield District Court.
As assisting Detectives arrived, Heathman began walking from the area. Detectives attempted to take Heathman into custody on Westford Circle, but when they activated their emergency lights, he took off running. Detectives were able to take him into custody a few houses down.
Heathman was wearing a backpack when he was placed under arrest. During a search of the backpack, Officers located a loaded firearm, approximately 58 bags of heroin, pepper spray and two bags of crack-cocaine.
Heathman was convicted in 2023 on firearms charges from a 2020 arrest in Springfield and received a 90-day jail sentence and was convicted on felony narcotics charges in Vermont in 2016.
26-year-old Joshua Heathman of Springfield is charged with:
- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (Two Counts)
- Carrying a Dangerous Weapon while having an Active Warrant
- Carrying a Firearm without a License
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
- Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug
- Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug
- Arrest Warrant
– Utter False Check
– Forgery of a Check
– Larceny over $1200 by a Single Scheme
