DA, police ‘crack down’ on ‘illegal activities’

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, backed by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Massachusetts State Police Maj. Mark Wheeler and local and state law enforcement, announces operation to arrest criminals and address quality-of-life issues in the city.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni was joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and local and state police to announce that law enforcement had undertaken a multi-agency initiative to arrest and otherwise stop people who are threatening the city’s safety and quality of life.

Gulluni, backed by a cadre of state and local police, called a press conference on June 25 to explain that law enforcement had made dozens of arrests, motor vehicle stops and ordinance violation citations the previous night and would continue to have an enlarged presence on the streets citywide throughout the night.

During the operation, law enforcement engaged in traffic enforcement, targeted investigations, quality-of-life enforcement and code enforcement efforts. Some of the quality-of-life issues included drug activity, reckless driving, illegal dirt bikes and motorcycles, gang activity, nuisance properties, code violations and sex work.

“At its core, today is about responsiveness, visibility, partnership and public service. It’s about showing residents that when they raise concerns, their government, public safety officials, we’re listening and we act,” Gulluni said.

“Today’s mission focused on addressing concerns related to gang violence, illegal drug activity and other criminal behavior that negatively impacts those who call Springfield their home,” said Massachusetts State Police Maj. Mark Wheeler. “The mission is straightforward. To support efforts that make neighborhoods safer, strengthen public confidence and ensure that those who choose to break the law are brought to justice.”

Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers thanked the various law enforcement agencies, including Amtrak Police, for their collaboration. “Because of their partnerships, the city and the citizens are safer and supported in a confident place,” he said. “Because when we stand together and when we share information, we combine our strengths. We make the community safer and stronger.”

Akers described the initiative as a “crack-down on … illegal activities and bad actors.” He said, “We know as a police department that we cannot arrest our way out of everything and every challenge that happens in this city,” he acknowledged. “But I do want you to know we stand with you. We stand for you. Our officers will be out there working very hard every single day to keep you safe, supported and confident in the Police Department. The police are the people, and the people are the police. Police cannot do it alone.”

Akers advised residents that they would see a higher than usual police presence over the next few months. “We’re going to be out there doing our job. Not to harass, not to necessarily arrest everyone,” he assured. “But we’re going to be there for you, the residents and the visitors of the city of Springfield so you can feel safe.”

Sarno addressed the public, saying, “For those individuals that are going to go out and terrorize our neighborhoods or our streets. We’re not going to accept that type of behavior,” Sarno said. Gesturing to the city and state police behind him, he added, “And that’s why the cavalry is here. And they made some massive arrests and raids that occurred this morning. They’ll continue tonight and there’ll be waves of these future engagements going on, all for the good of the citizens and the business community in the city of Springfield, no matter what creed, color or background.” He later added, “We’re sending a message” to people committing crimes. “You don’t rule the streets.”

The mayor also asked the state’s courts not to release “repeat, violent offenders.”

Sarno said the initiative is the result of two weeks of planning. Springfield police officers, investigators, prosecutors, city personnel and public safety partners, more than 80 state police were involved in the operation. Despite it being a difficult fiscal year, Sarno said he would fund the city’s portion of the initiative.

Asked why the operation was launched now, Gulluni said, “We’re at the front end of the summer. There’s obviously been some incidents of late that certainly drew my concern and the concern of my colleagues.” Gulluni referred to violence that had occurred at Union Station at the beginning of June, while Wheeler recalled that State Police Gang Unit came under gunfire while conducting an investigation in Mason Square.

As of 2:30 p.m. on June 25, law enforcement had:

• Arrested 27 people, including five related to organized crime
• Issued six criminal summonses
• Seized two AR-15 rifles and two handguns
• Recovered one stolen motor vehicle
• Addressed 186 ordinance violations and 120 code enforcement issues
• Stopped 122 motor vehicles

“People deserve to feel safe where they live, work and raise their families,” Gulluni said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the concerns residents bring to us every day and ensuring that public safety resources are visible, responsive and present in the neighborhoods that need them most. When agencies work together, we can have a greater impact and better serve the community.”