Firearm Seized After Suspect Points Gun at Teenager
Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday October 17th at approximately 7:15 p.m., members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) under the direction of Sergeants Christopher Hitas and David Robillard along with Springfield Police Officers assigned to Squad “C”, seized a firearm after a gun call related to an assault on a teenager.
Around 6:00 p.m., officers responded to Wilbraham Avenue for a gun call. A teenager allegedly had a firearm pointed at him by an individual who was on a golf cart with a group of 4-5 other teenagers.
Detectives were able to locate the golf cart and detain and identify the individuals involved. Two males attempted to run from the golf cart, including a suspect later identified as Nelson Cruz, who is alleged to have tossed a firearm over a fence before being taken into custody on the 300 block of Walnut Street. The firearm was recovered behind the fence.
After further investigation, two juveniles were arrested along with Cruz. The other individuals were identified and released. The golf cart was stolen from American International College. This is an ongoing investigation.
28-year-old Nelson Cruz of Springfield is charged with:
- Carrying a Firearm without a License
- Receiving Stolen Property More than $1200
Due to their ages, the names of the juveniles arrested and the charges they are facing will not be released.