SPRINGFIELD — A 25-year-old Springfield man was arrested Friday in connection with the alleged rape of a child, according to police officials.
Hector Lopez was apprehended around 6:20 p.m. on the 1300 block of Boston Road following a two-day investigation by the Springfield Police Special Victims Unit.
Detectives began investigating allegations on April 9 that Lopez, who was known to the child victim, had sexually assaulted the minor while armed with a gun.
After obtaining an arrest warrant on April 11, members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit conducted surveillance near Bristol Street and later stopped a vehicle in which Lopez was a passenger.
Police discovered a loaded large capacity firearm inside the vehicle and more than 5 grams of crack-cocaine on Lopez’s person during the arrest.
The driver and another passenger were detained and later released, authorities said.
Lopez faces multiple charges including armed rape of a child with force, kidnapping with sexual assault, strangulation, witness intimidation, and various weapons violations.
Additional charges include possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Lopez is expected to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Monday, April 14.
