SPD FIU Detectives Seize Loaded Firearm, Drugs During Wilcox Street Investigation

SPD FIU Detectives Seize Loaded Firearm, Drugs During Wilcox Street Investigation

Springfield, Mass. — On Tuesday August 20th at approximately 7:30 p.m., members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit under the direction of Sergeants Christopher Hitas and David Robillard seized an illegal loaded firearm and made three arrests in connection with drug dealing in the Wilcox Street area.

For the past several months Detectives have been investigating illegal drug activity on the 0-100 block of Wilcox Street. On Tuesday around 7:00 p.m., Detectives were conducting surveillance in that area when they observed a drug transaction.

Shortly thereafter Detectives activated their emergency lights and stopped a suspect, later identified as Rafael Santaella, on Wilcox Street. Assisting Detectives stopped a suspect, later identified as Xavier Nazario, on Wilcox Street as well. A third suspect, later identified as Kyle Allaire, got into a car and drove away. Detectives were able to get the car to stop on the 0-100 block of Chestnut Street.

During the investigation, Detectives recovered heroin from Allaire and an illegal loaded firearm from Santaella. Santaella has previously been convicted of illegal firearms and drug distribution charges.

29-year-old Rafael Santaella of Springfield is charged with:

Carrying a Firearm without a License
Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License – 3rd Offense
Firearm Violation with 1 Prior Violent/Drug Crime
Distribution of a Class A Drug – Subsequent Offense
Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law
Arrest Warrant
– Carrying a Firearm without a License
– Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
– Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
– Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card

33-year-old Xavier Nazario, currently homeless, is charged with: