08/26/2026
The following summaries highlight recent arrests and summons arrests conducted by our officers. These arrests also include a very brief summary and do not amount to every detail contained within the arrest report. Please note that the following are just a selection of recent events and do not represent the full scope of the work officers do every day.
All persons charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Some incidents will have limited information such as those involving juveniles, domestic violence-related incidents/arrests, and individuals placed into protective custody, per Massachusetts General Laws.
One Decision. Three Vehicles. Countless Lives Put at Risk:
On 06/08/2026 at about 1853 Officer Hart and Kapinos responded to Amherst Road in the area of Dickinson Farm Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival officers observed three vehicles with damage along the roadway with one vehicle with severe front-end damage in the opposite lane of travel. The vehicle was facing oncoming traffic (crossed the double yellow line). The vehicle sustained such an impact that both front wheels were torn away from the vehicle, and the right front CV axle was dislodged and laying on the ground next to it. The other vehicles were off of the southbound side of the roadway and had sustained an impact consistent with a near head on collision from a northbound vehicle. The third vehicle was off of the road on the northbound side of the roadway with damage to the right rear.
Ofc Kapinos made contact with the operator and while speaking with her, detected a significant odor of consumed alcoholic beverages emanating from the driver. Ofc Kapinos spoke with the occupants of one of the vehicles who advised that they were headed south on Amherst Road when vehicle came right at them into the lane of travel. Ofc Kapinos was advised that that operator drove off the roadway to the right to avoid a collision, however, the defendant continued right at them, over the double yellow line and struck them in the left side.
A female from Granby was charged with:
-OUI Liquor .08 or Greater
-Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle
-Marked Lanes Violation.
What begins as a family disagreement can quickly escalate into a situation requiring police intervention:
On Monday 06/08/2026 officers were dispatched a residence for a report of a domestic incident between a mother and daughter. The victim reported that her hair was pulled out by her daughter.
The daughter was arrested and charged with:
Assault and Battery
She was mad. She was egg-nored. Things got scrambled:
On Tuesday 06/09/2026 1:21am Sgt. Percy and Officer Burke were dispatched to a report of a disturbance between the victim and his ex-girlfriend. The victim reported that his ex-girlfriend was screaming at him and trying to remove his ring camera. Upon arrival Ofc Burke located the ex-girlfriend sitting in her vehicle outside of the residence. She stated she was mad at her ex-boyfriend because he was not answering his phone. Ofc Burke noticed there was a cracked egg on the ground behind the victim’s vehicle. Ofc Burke victim’s car and noticed there were several smashed eggs on the top of the vehicle and hood. The ex-girlfriend admitted to doing the damage. It was learned that the ex-girlfriend also keyed the hood and side of the vehicle and broke numerous eggs on the vehicle.
The female was summoned to court for malicious damage to a motor vehicle.
No Sticker, No Signal…and One Active Warrant:
On June 11, 2026, Ofc. Chonmany was doing traffic enforcement when a vehicle passed his location. Ofc Chonmany recognized the operator and was aware that the male may have had an active arrest warrant.
Ofc Chonmany confirmed that the male had an active arrest warrant out of Springfield District Court. Ofc Chonmany initiated a motor vehicle stop due to a motor vehicle infraction. Det. Adamczyk arrived on scene around this time to assist.
The operator arrested for the warrant, and given a verbal warning for no inspection sticker and failure to signal.
Never Steal on an Empty Stomach:
On June 17, 2026, at approximately 1245, dispatch began receiving information on a potential MV B&E suspect from larcenies that occurred. The suspect was said to be a worker for the property. Dispatch pulled up pertinent records that showed multiple warrants for the suspect. Officer Richard went to meet with the reporting party. Detective Camp went to assist Officer Richard. While in route, Det Camp observed a male party matching the suspect on Granby Road.
Det Camp placed the male under arrest for the warrants, and advised him he wanted to speak with him further about the MV B&E's that were reported and how he may be involved. Det Camp spoke with the male who admitted to the MV B&E's the day prior. Unfortunately, a half-eaten sandwich that was taken from a work truck could not be recovered for that victim.
The male was charged with:
Holyoke District Court X2
Chicopee District Court
Northampton District Court
Subsequent charges of:
B&E in MV
Larceny Under $1200.00
I Swear! I was Just About to Call:
On June 17th, Officer Chonmany took a report for stolen property located by the reporting party.
The reporting, a South Hadley resident informed Ofc Chonmany that his cousin, also of South Hadley, came home with a ride share type bicycle. The cousin would later tell officers that he found the bike on June 16th, and that he was going to call the company. When asked why he did not leave the bike where he found it and call police, he stated that he was just about to. The male was charged with:
1 count of Receiving Stolen Property under $1200.00
Hmmmm. In Need of Anger Management?
On June 20, 2026, at 1850 hours, officers were dispatched to a residence for a disturbance.
Sgt. Hebert, Ofc. Kapinos, Ofc. Podmore and Ofc. Chonmany arrived at the residence a short time later. Sgt. Hebert and Ofc. Kapinos spoke with the reporting party they learned that the grandson had been screaming at them and punched holes in the wall. This individual is known to officers from previous calls, to include charges for destroying his grandparent’s car. The male was charged with:
1 count of Vandalism
Plot twist: The original complaint didn’t result in charges…but the warrant check did:
On June 26, 2026, officers responded to the gas station on Bridge St. for the report of a possible 209A violation. Upon officer’s arrival, neither party were on scene. As Sgt. Hebert and Ofc Podmore exited the parking lot of Sunoco onto Main St. They observed the male party in question who was said to have violated the 209A order drive North up Bridge St. and onto Lamb St. Sgt. Hebert initiated a motor vehicle stop on Lamb St. Ofc. Kapinos responded to speak with the victim. It was determined there was no 209A violation. Dispatch confirmed there was an active warrant for the male.
The male was arrested on the warrant and given a verbal warning for the motor vehicle infraction.
Hey Cornholio, where did Ya get Your Purse:
On 06/28/2026 after 1100 hours Ofc Kapinos was on patrol in the Main Street area. While patrolling the area of the Beachgrounds Park. Ofc Kapinos observed male party with his t-shirt
pulled over his head like the Beavis character, on a bike holding a female style purse. As Ofc Kapinos drove by, it appeared as though the male took exceptional notice of his cruiser. Ofc Kapinos observed the male ride his bike into the parking lot of the gas station on Bridge Street. The male tried to hide out of sight behind the ice machine. The male left the area and Ofc Kapinos located the purse next to the ice machine right where the male was last observed. The male then showed back up and stated that the phone and crack pipe were his and that he had just found the purse in the bathroom at the Beachgrounds Park. It was later learned that the purse was stolen earlier from Holyoke.
The male was charged with:
Receiving Stolen Credit Card x2.
Registration revoked. Inspection overdue. What could possibly go wrong?
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, Sergeant Hebert was on patrol in the area of Willimansett St. Sgt Hebert observed a white Hyundai Elantra operating in front of him and learned the vehicle's registration was REVOKED for insurance cancellation since 5/2/2026, as well as the vehicle not being inspected since it's effective registration date of 11/05/2025. Sgt Hebert conducted a stop of the vehicle and spoke with the male operator.
The male was summoned into court for:
Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Operating Motor Vehicle with Revoked/Suspended Registration, and No Inspection.
You may be able to outrun the cruiser. You can’t outrun the charges.
On July 1st, Officer Chonmany was parked at the High School when he observed a motorcycle drive by him. Ofc Chonmany knew the operator of the motorcycle, a South Hadley resident had a Suspended Driver’s License. After confirming the individual’s
status, Ofc Chonmany attempted to stop the motorcycle on Purple Heart Drive. When the motorcycle pulled away at speeds estimated to be between 90 and 100 mph on the Muller Bridge, Ofc Chonmany discontinued his attempts to stop the motorcycle and a Be On the Look Out was broadcasted to neighboring departments.
He is facing the following charges:
Fail to Stop for Police
Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License, Subsequent Offense
Operating at Speeds Greater Than Reasonable
Unreasonable Noise from a Motor Vehicle
Fail to Signal
When the responding officer becomes a witness…
On July 3, 2026, at approximately 1508 hours, officers responded to the Beachgrounds for a disturbance. The calling party that she and her boyfriend were sitting at the park when an unknown white male, approached and intentionally burned her boyfriend's shoulder with a cigarette, and tore their screen on their car window.
Officer Podmore arrived on scene at approximately and observed the male that was described and another male with no shirt arguing in the field. As Ofc Podmore was putting his cruiser in park, he observed the male swing a right-handed closed fist and strike the other male in the left side of his face. Once Ofc. Richard and Sgt. Pollender arrived on scene, Ofc Podmore spoke with the suspect, while Ofc. Richard spoke with the calling party and the victim.
The male is charged with the following:
A&B with a Dangerous Weapon
Malicious Damage to a MV
A&B
Disorderly Conduct
Assault to Intimidate
Arguments happen. Assault should never be part of them:
On July 8th, 2026, at approximately 1638 hours, officers responded to a residence for a domestic disturbance. The calling party, advised that his girlfriend had just assaulted him by smacking him. Dispatch advised that the female party could be heard in the background yelling at him.
Ofc Podmore arrived on scene and spoke with the calling party. The calling party stated that he had been on the phone with his sister and that the defendant smacked him with an open hand in the neck/ side of his head from behind. Ofc Podmore could see his neck area was slightly red/irritated.
The female was charged with:
A&B on an Intimate Partner
A damaged car, a suspicious stop in someone’s driveway, and an unexpected parking spot in the middle of Pynchon Road…:
On July 12, 2026, at approximately 1537 hours, officers were dispatched to Brainerd Street for a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the calling party's driveway. The calling party informed dispatch that an unknown vehicle was parked in his driveway and that he believed the male operator may be under the influence and the vehicle has front-end damage. The calling party reported observing the male operator step out of the vehicle and immediately fall to the ground, after which the male got back up, re-entered the vehicle, and left the area. Sergeant Goulet, Sergeant Perez, and Ofc Chonmany responded to the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.
A short time later, dispatch informed officers to check Pynchon Road, as it was believed the vehicle may be in that area based on another call regarding the same vehicle. Ofc Chonmany was first to arrive on scene. Upon turning onto Pynchon Road, he immediately located a black sedan parked in the middle of the roadway.
Ofc Chonmany made contact with the male and observed that he was unsteady on his feet and was using both hands on the roof of the vehicle to keep himself upright. Ofc Chonamny also observed the operator had a small laceration to the left side of his eye and a scrape on his forearm that was actively bleeding.
The male was charged with:
Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol, 2nd Offense
There were several opportunities to make a better decision here. Unfortunately, none of them were taken:
On July 15th, 2026 at approximately 12:29am Ofc Santiago was on patrol checking Buttery Brook Park after-hours. The Town parks are closed after dark, and it is conspicuously posted at all town parks. Ofc Santiago saw a vehicle parked inside the park. Ofc Santiago exited his vehicle and started approaching the vehicle to make contact with the occupants. As he approached the vehicle, he observed what appeared to be three teen aged individuals. The operator, was in the driver seat. In the back seat there was a female, and laying on the ground outside the car was another female. As Ofc Santiago approached the vehicle to further investigate the situation, and advise the occupants that they were trespassing after notice (clearly posted signage). The operator put the car into reverse and started backing out from the parking area. As he was backing up, the female who was laying on the ground was attempting to get back into the vehicle.
Ofc Santiago returned back to his cruiser and activated his emergency blue lights. The operator briefly stopped the vehicle; Ofc Santago then exited his cruiser again and started yelling verbal commands for the operator to stop the vehicle. The operator then put the vehicle into gear and started driving forward at a high rate of speed with the female in the back still trying to get in. The female was nearly dragged across the parking lot due to the operator’s actions. Ofc Santiago could hear the female passengers yelling at the operator to stop the car multiple times.
The male was charged with:
Trespass, Failure to Stop for Police, Negligent Operation of a MV, and OUI Liquor
You Can Run…But Apparently Not Forever.
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at approximately 5:44PM, Officer Richard responded to a residence at the request of the property owner, to check the apartment for a possible Breaking and Entering which was possibly currently in progress.
While handling another call for service, Sgt Hebert heard Officer Richard call over the radio that a party known to this department, which includes recent calls to the address, was seen by him swiftly leaving the residence through a window and running away, before contact could be made with him. The male, was observed wearing a t-shirt, shorts, sandals. There was evidence of the screen to a window possibly used to gain entry.
Officer Richard observed the male run into the wooded area. At this point, Sgt Hebert arrived on scene with Sgt. O'Connor and they attempting to set up a perimeter to contain the area he ran into. Ludlow PD would assist by having a K9 respond. At approximately 6:20 PM, the original caller contacted the department to report she saw the male walking on College Street in the area of Mt. Holyoke College. Sgt. O'Connor and Sgt Hebert responded to the area.
Sgt Hebert observed the male party matching the description walking on the sidewalk along College Street, in front of Mt. Holyoke College. Upon seeing Sgt. O'Connor's marked Police Cruiser, Sgt Hebert observed the male sprint east, onto the Mt. Holyoke College Campus, and run between the Rockefeller Hall and Skinner Hall Buildings. Sgt Hebert lost sight of him at that point. Mt. Holyoke College Public Safety located the male walking on Morgan Street, towards Granby. Officers responded to the area, and the male fled again, into a heavily wooded area to the north of Morgan Street. Massachusetts State Police Airwing responded to assist, as well as other resources from Amherst, Granby, and Mass State Police.
At approximately 7:07 PM, the department received calls from residents on East Street reporting the male was running through the back yards on East Street. Officer Richard, Officer Decosta (Ludlow PD) with his K9 and heard over the radio that Officer Kapinos heard the sound of glass breaking in the area on East Street. Believing the male was involved in that and trying to break into another residence, Officer Richard, Officer Decosta and Sgt Hebert went to the address on East Street. Sgt Hebert observed a window in the back of the residence had been smashed. With permission from the resident of East Street, officers entered the residence to ensure no unwanted parties were inside. The residence was cleared without finding any occupants.
Officers continued a track with K9 assets from Amherst and Ludlow PD. This track led to a property which was directly through the woods behind East Street, on Charon Terrace. There was a doorway which was unlocked. The Amherst K9 was heavily interested in this area during the track. Based on fresh and continued pursuit of the suspect for a prior breaking and entering, officers entered the breeze way and discovered a window leading to the kitchen area from the breeze way, was left slightly ajar. There appeared to be blood on the windowsill. The male was located in a 1st floor bedroom closet.
The male was placed under arrest and charged with the following:
Breaking and Entering to a Dwelling in the Daytime with the Intent to Commit a Felony (College Street)
Larceny From a Building
Disorderly Conduct
Attempt to Commit a Crime-Breaking and Entering for Misdemeanor (East Street)
Breaking and Entering for Misdemeanor (Charon Terrace)
Trespass (Charon Terrace)
Red light, green light…nap time? Definitely not
On July 17, 2026, at approximately 2:14am Ofc. SANTIAGO was dispatched to the intersection of Bridge St and Main St for a report of individual asleep behind the wheel. Upon arrival to the intersection, Ofc Santiago observed a SUV partially in the intersection facing east bound on Main St. Ofc Santiago approached the vehicle and observed a female operator passed out behind the wheel with the vehicle on and in drive. Ofc Santiago knocked on driver side window, and the operator woke up. During his interaction with the operator, he observed signs of impairment. Due to his observations, and the fact that the operator presented a danger to other motorists and pedestrians by not having true control of her vehicle with it still being in drive, the operator was charged with:
OUI Liquor and Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
Domestic violence does not discriminate—and victims are not always women:
On 7/18/26, Officer Helems was dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute between a male and female. Male 911 caller, advised he was being assaulted by his ex-girlfriend. Ofc Helems, Sergeant Perez and Det. Roberts, arrived and located the male outside on his front porch advising that he was physically assaulted. Ofc Helems noted that the male had small cuts and abrasions to his face and neck area that had fresh blood on them. The male stated that an argument ensued about his ex-girlfriend’s behavior while they had been out. During the ride home the ex-girlfriend was acting violently the whole way scratching at him, hitting him, headbutting him inside of the vehicle, and tearing apart the inside of the vehicle. Once home, the male stated she continued to physically assault him by further scratching at him and hitting him.
The female was charged with:
Assault and Battery; Intimate Partner.
Remember when we said, ‘You may be able to outrun the cruiser, but you can’t outrun the charges?’ Well…about that.
On July 20, 2026, Ofc. Chonmany was on routine patrol in the area of Carew St. At this time, Ofc. Chonmany saw male known to me through prior police interactions standing in the backyard of the residence. Ofc. Chonmany had dispatch confirm that the male currently had an active arrest warrant. A short time later, Sgt. Hebert, Det. Adamczyk and Ofc. Podmore arrived at Ofc. Chonmany’s location. Officer arrived at the residence and Ofc. Chonmany saw the male was now standing under the deck and was talking with another male party. Ofc. Chonmany exited his cruiser and announced himself, the male began sprinting away towards Carew St. Ofc. Podmore, and Ofc Chonmany ran after the male, and officers were able to quickly catch up to him and place him under arrest. During the booking officers located a small clear plastic vial containing a white powdery substance on the male. Ofc. Chonmany then asked the male what the white powdery and if it was co***ne and the male replied, "Sure."
The male was charged with:
Warrant related to failing to stop for Ofc Chonmany on a previous date, and possession of a class “B” substance.
Possible impaired driver? Check. 51 in a 30? Check. Traffic stop? You bet:
On July 25, 2026, Officers were dispatched to a traffic complaint the Alvord St in the area of Brunelle’s Marina. Ofc Santiago observed the vehicle described driving South bound on Alvord St at a high rate of speed, and his RADAR indicated that the Ford Bronco was travelling at a speed of 51 MPH in a posted 30MPH zone. Ofc Santiago turned around and got behind the Ford Bronco and effected a motor vehicle stop.
Ofc Santiago explained to the operator he was being stopped for two reasons; his vehicle was called in as a suspected drunk driver, and his speed on Alvord St, 51MPH in a posted 30MPH zone. Ofc Santiago determined the operator was operating under the influence and was taken into custody.
The male was charged with:
OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and Speeding.
If you are going to get Arrested, at Least be Potty Trained:
On July 28th at approximately 1:39 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of O’Brien’s Funeral Home on Lamb Street for a report of a male who had been pepper sprayed by his girlfriend.
Officer Kapinos arrived and located the male suffering from the effects of pepper spray. The male told officers that he had been fleeing from a vehicle operated by his girlfriend when she exited the vehicle and pepper sprayed him. He also reported that she was armed with a handgun.
While officers were speaking with him, the male alerted them that his girlfriend had just driven past the area.
Officer Romanovicz located the female and her vehicle near the Beachgrounds. Due to the report that a firearm might be involved, she conducted a felony stop. Officer Kapinos and Trooper M. Rodriguez arrived on scene to assist. Once officers determined that she was not armed, they spoke with her about what had occurred.
The female reported that the male had assaulted her and taken her cellphone. When she attempted to retrieve the phone, he allegedly smashed it on the ground. She stated that the male then lunged toward her and, based on prior domestic incidents involving him, she believed she was about to be assaulted and used pepper spray to defend herself.
Based on statements from those involved, physical evidence, and witness observations, officers determined that the male would be the one taken into custody.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t end there. During the booking process, the male was uncooperative and, at times, combative. Despite being offered the use of a restroom, the male exposed himself and urinated on the booking desk and floor. The booking area subsequently required professional cleaning.
The male was charged with:
Domestic Assault on a Family or Household Member
Domestic Assault & Battery on a Family or Household Member
Malicious Damage to Property Under $1,200 – Cellphone
Vandalize of Property (Booking Desk which required professional cleaning)
So…… Can I Drink This Before You Cuff Me?
On July 31st, Officers Swaby and Farber responded to Liquor Town on Granby Road for the report of a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident. While investigating the accident it was learned that the operator of the vehicle, a female South Hadley resident had an active warrant out of Arizona, as well as current motor vehicle violations. The female was taken into custody based on the warrant and faces the following charges:
Fugitive from Justice (Arizona warrant)
Operating with a Revoked Registration
Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
