SPRINGFIELD — Following a shooting incident last week, Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU), along with several law enforcement agencies, arrested three individuals on Thursday and Saturday for their alleged involvement in the attack on undercover detectives.
On Jan. 23 around 7 p.m., FIU detectives were fired upon more than a dozen times while conducting surveillance on Fernald Street.
Although the detectives were unharmed, their vehicle was struck by the gunfire.
It is still unknown if the shooters were aware they were targeting police officers.
The initial response included an extensive two-hour search in the North Branch Parkway area.
Christopher O’Bara was identified as a suspect and apprehended early Friday following a search warrant executed at his Lancaster Street residence, where police seized a firearm, ammunition, and suspected stolen items.
Efforts to resolve the case led to the arrest of 20-year-old Damian Scott on Saturday on Carew Street.
Scott, linked to the Thursday shooting and multiple car thefts, was detained on various outstanding warrants including cocaine trafficking.
Further investigation identified additional suspects, resulting in arrest warrants for Dwayne Johnson, Derek Johnson Sr., and a 17-year-old male.
On Thursday morning, both Johnsons were arrested at a La Quinta Hotel on Congress Street, where officers found substantial quantities of cocaine and marijuana.
The juvenile was taken into custody on Fernald Street on firearms charges.
Dwayne Johnson, 22, is believed to be the shooter who targeted the detectives.
He faces numerous charges including cocaine trafficking, firearm violations, and armed assault to murder.
Derek Johnson Sr., 48, is also charged with drug trafficking and firearm offenses.
They are expected to face arraignment in Springfield District Court on Friday.
The juvenile’s identity remains undisclosed due to his age.
The investigation by the Springfield Police FIU continues.
