SPRINGFIELD — A routine response to a gunfire alert by Springfield police resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm and drugs late Thursday night.
The incident began when the department’s ShotSpotter system detected shots fired on Adams Street around 9:05 p.m.
Members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) led by Sgt.
Christopher Hitas, along with the Springfield Police Metro Unit under Sgt.
Elizer Vasquez and officers from Squad C, arrived on the scene in the 0-100 block of Adams Street.
They found evidence of a shooting and, after viewing surveillance video, identified a male suspect.
The suspect, whose description matched the shooter seen in the footage, was later spotted on Lombard Street.
Accompanied by two others, he entered a convenience store on the 600 block of Main Street.
As officers prepared to approach, the suspect attempted to flee through another exit but slipped, causing the loaded gun in his hand to slide across the floor.
Police arrested the 16-year-old male suspect and confiscated crack cocaine found in his jacket.
The firearm recovered was reported stolen from a location in Vermont.
During the booking process, the suspect also spat in the face of an officer.
In compliance with juvenile privacy laws, the name, photo, and specific charges against the underage suspect remain undisclosed.
