CHICOPEE — A routine traffic stop led to two arrests and the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics Tuesday evening, according to Chicopee police.
At approximately 6 p.m., detectives in an unmarked cruiser spotted a vehicle on Exchange Street operated by a man they recognized as having an active arrest warrant.
When the vehicle parked, officers activated their lights and ordered Richard Rivera, 25, of Springfield to exit.
Police say Rivera initially refused but eventually opened the door.
He then ignored instructions to get on the ground, kicked off his sandals and fled on foot.
Detectives pursued and apprehended Rivera after a brief chase.
During the pursuit, a female passenger left the vehicle and walked away.
Officers used city cameras to track her to a gas station on West Street, where they identified her as Prieto Umpierre, 24, of Chicopee.
An inventory of Rivera’s vehicle prior to towing revealed a brown backpack containing what police described as a large quantity of narcotics.
Rivera faces charges including trafficking in crack cocaine and powder cocaine, possession with intent to distribute heroin/fentanyl, and resisting arrest.
Umpierre was charged with drug trafficking offenses related to crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and heroin/fentanyl.
Both suspects were taken into custody.
No further details were immediately available.
