CHICOPEE — A routine traffic monitoring by Chicopee Police officers led to a dramatic chase and subsequent arrest of two men on drug and weapons charges Wednesday afternoon.
At around 1:52 p.m., officers observed a dirt bike traveling south on Chicopee St. without a helmeted rider or a visible license plate, carrying a passenger.
When the police attempted to initiate a stop near 22 News, the bike operator, later identified as Joseph Darco, 34, of Springfield, evaded the cruiser, ultimately crashing after striking a curb.
Both Darco and his passenger, Isaias Torres, 32, of Chicopee, attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.
A search revealed Darco was carrying narcotics, ammunition, and was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Torres was found with a backpack containing a large quantity of narcotics.
Darco is facing multiple charges, including trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, possession of ammunition without an FID card, using body armor in a felony, possession with intent to distribute Class B and Class A drugs, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, violating snow/recreational vehicle helmet regulations, and failure to stop for police.
Torres has been charged with trafficking more than 10 grams of fentanyl, use of body armor in a felony, possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession with intent to distribute Class B and Class A drugs, carrying a dangerous weapon, and is also wanted on five outstanding warrants.
The Chicopee Police Department’s swift action underscores their commitment to community safety and ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug distribution and possession of illegal weapons in the city.
Both men are being held pending arraignment.
