Two suspects wanted in connection with shots fired between two vehicles causing injury in Holyoke were arrested.
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Two suspects wanted in connection with shots fired between two vehicles causing injury in Holyoke were arrested.
According to the Holyoke Police Department, on July 7th officers were called to a report of a disturbance in the area of High Street. The disturbance was followed by a series of gun shots fired on Maple Street, near the intersection of Hampden Street.
One person was injured during what police say was a “rolling gun fight between automobiles,” including shots fire from a modified, fully automatic handgun. Officers observed a vehicle firing at another involved vehicle while stopped at the intersection of Maple and Dwight Streets.
The vehicle being shot at drove toward an oncoming cruiser, causing the officer to swerve to avoid a crash. Officers pursued the vehicle into Chicopee however, it was not located.
The gunshot victim, identified as 31-year-old Orlando Faria-Garcia, was taken to Baystate Medical Center and is expected to survive. He is being charged with carrying a firearm without a license and larceny of a firearm.
During the investigation, detectives were able to identify two other suspects involved. A search warrant was conducted for one of the involved vehicles from the shooting. Police seized a loaded Sig Sauer P380 Pistol, magazine, and ammunition.
In an unrelated incident, 28-year-old Juan Sanchez was arrested on July 24th after Massachusetts State Police located a spent ammunition casing in the driver’s side door panel storage pocket.
Due to the ballistic and electronic evidence recovered, Sanchez and 31-year-old Shacolby Merriman were suspected of being involved with the July 7th incident are being charged with the following:
Shacolby Merriman (34)
Merriman was arrested on September 27th in Chicopee with the help of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department SRT (Special Response Team) to conduct the high-risk warrant service.
ARREST WARRANT
Firearm, carry without a License Loaded
Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun
Possession of Ammunition without an FID
Assault to Murder, Firearm – Armed
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm), Serious Bodily Injury
Firearm, Discharge within 500 feet of a Building
Motor Vehicle, Malicious Damage to x 2
Firearm in Felony, Possess Large Capacity
Juan Sanchez (28)
ARREST WARRANT
Firearm, carry without a License Loaded
Possession of Ammunition without an FID
Assault to Murder, Firearm – Armed
Stop for Police, Fail
Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
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