State Police, Local Police, Marshals Put Focus on Springfield
Massachusetts State Police, along with Springfield Police and members of the United States Marshals Service arrested four people on outstanding warrants this morning, and apprehended a fifth who was found in possession of two handguns.
The arrests came during Operation Flashcard, an effort by State Police field personnel assigned to the Springfield Barracks and the Troop B Community Action Team, along with their federal and local law enforcement partners, to clear outstanding warrants as part of a broader State Police community policing strategy.
Three defendants were arrested on warrants for motor vehicle violations, while a fourth was charged with a juvenile court warrant for disturbing an assembly. The fifth person arrested, RAFAEL A. MERCED, 20, was taken into custody at his home at 90 Laurel St. in Springfield. MERCED was not the subject of a warrant but was arrested after Operation Flashcard personnel learned that he was in possession of two firearms.
Operation Flashcard is part of a broader strategy being undertaken by the State Police Barracks in Springfield, in cooperation with local police, to focus intensive resources on a specific area to address violent crimes as well as quality-of-life issues. The targeted area is the city's North End, particularly the Lowell Street area. The Massachusetts State Police are committed to continuing and building upon its partnership with residents of that neighborhood to make it a difficult place for criminals to operate.
State troopers, Springfield officers and US marshals took five people into custody this morning in Springfield. At far left, one defendant is led to a cruiser. At near left, an officer and trooper enter a target's home. The arrests were part of Operation Flashcard, an effort within a broader community policing strategy focusing part of Springfield's North End.