SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) arrested a repeat offender in possession of a loaded firearm, narcotics, and cash on Tuesday, April 9, at around 5:20 p.m.
While conducting an unrelated probe, FIU Detectives, led by Sergeants Christopher Hitas and David Robillard, spotted Joshua Heathman in the Rochelle Street vicinity.
Aware of an outstanding warrant for Heathman’s arrest from Springfield District Court, detectives moved to apprehend him.
Heathman, upon noticing assisting detectives, attempted to flee the scene on Westford Circle.
After a brief pursuit, detectives apprehended him a short distance away.
A search of Heathman’s backpack revealed a loaded firearm, roughly 58 bags of heroin, pepper spray, and two bags of crack-cocaine.
Previously convicted on firearms charges in Springfield in 2023, Heathman had served a 90-day sentence for a 2020 incident.
He also has a felony narcotics conviction in Vermont from 2016.
The 26-year-old Springfield resident, Joshua Heathman, faces multiple charges including convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and carrying a dangerous weapon with an active warrant.
Additional charges include carrying a firearm without a license, possession with intent to distribute Class A and B drugs, and an arrest warrant for uttering a false check, forgery of a check, and larceny over $1200 by a single scheme.
