Springfield man arrested after police chase, loaded firearm confiscated

Springfield Police Department

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts (WWLP) – A man was arrested in Springfield on Sunday after a loaded firearm was seized and he sparked a police chase.

According to Springfield police, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Chestnut Street to activate a ShotSpotter. When officers arrived, they found no victims or property damage.

Members of the Springfield Police Department’s Real-Time Analysis Center (R-TAC) reviewed cameras in the area and advised officers that a suspected vehicle involved in the shooting was located on Hampden Street.

The officers found the vehicle with three people inside. After the occupants got out, the officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded firearm in the passenger door. The passenger, a 34-year-old Fatiah Garland of Springfield, ran from officers. After a chase, Garland was detained and arrested on East Columbus Avenue.

Garland is accused of:

• Carrying a firearm without a permit – 2nd offense
• Possession of a high capacity magazine/feeder
• Carrying a loaded firearm without a permit
• Violation of the Weapons Act with 1 previous violent/drug offense

Garland also has previous convictions for possession of weapons and armed assault with intent to murder.