Two Springfield men accused of pointing an assault weapon at two Springfield Police officers during a traffic stop. In the end the two were arrested and arraigned on the charges. The "assault weapon" was actually an air rifle. The DA Anthony Gulluni says the safety of the neighborhood and the officers was trivialized by the decision.
“If the court system endeavors to protect the public and hold persistent and violent offenders accountable, this decision is inexplicable. Both individuals were out on bail for several serious pending cases involving assaults and firearms. Despite my office’s best efforts, their existing bails on these several, serious open cases were not revoked and, moreover, a shockingly low bail was set in light of the brazen threats made towards uniformed police officers.” D.A. Gulluni went on to say, “The court’s decisions tacitly minimize and normalize this behavior. This serves to embolden and empower these dangerous men and others around them. It also sets a standard that puts police officers in harm’s way, as well as members of the public.”
The two suspects Mario Salcedo, 27, of Springfield, and Joseph Cruz-Salcedo, 19 are both currently out on bail. The DA’s Office requested $50,000 cash bail on each defendant and filed motions to revoke bail for each defendant, who each had several pending serious cases. The motions to revoke bail were denied by the court and bail was set at $1,000 cash for each. They are both due back in court on June 3, 2022.
It was just last night in Worcester meantime, that 30 year old man was arrested and charged for pointing a rifle at people in the Sherman Street area. That turned out to be an air rifle as well. Arraignment for that suspect is later today.
(Photo provided by Hampden County District Attorney's Office)