SPD FIU Detectives Seize Loaded Firearm with 41 Round Magazine

Springfield, Mass. — On Wednesday July 27th at approximately 7:30 p.m. members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit under the direction of Lt. Christopher Collins seized a loaded high capacity firearm, a second high capacity magazine and arrested 19-year-old Daniel Gonzalez and 19-year-old Angel Melendez on the 700 block of State Street.

A few minutes prior to the arrests Detectives observed a vehicle on Marshall Street that was reported stolen and suspected in several recent shots fired incidents in the city.  When the driver, later identified as Angel Melendez, observed police presence he drove away.  Detectives then spotted the car at a gas station on the 700 block of State Street.  When Detectives activated their emergency lights Melendez and his passenger, later identified as Daniel Gonzalez, began to run.

Detectives detained Melendez in the parking lot.  Detectives recovered a 17 round magazine loaded with eight rounds of ammunition in his fanny pack.

Gonzalez attempted to flee while holding a firearm in his waistband.  He removed the firearm and dropped it on the ground as he was detained.  The recovered firearm was loaded had a 41 round magazine loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition and also had a defaced serial number.

Detectives placed both Melendez and Gonzalez under arrest.

19-year-old Daniel Gonzalez of Springfield is charged with:

  • Carrying a Firearm without a License
  • Carrying a Loaded Large Capacity Firearm on a Public Way
  • Possession of a Firearm with a Defaced Serial Number
  • Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm

19-year-old Angel Melendez of Westfield is charged with:

  • Possession of a High Capacity Feeding Device
  • Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
  • Operation of a Motor Vehicle without a License
  • Possession of Ammunition