19-02-2025
Holyoke Police recover firearm after car crashes into home
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A traffic stop turned into a dangerous chase early Saturday morning, ending with a car crashing into a home and the recovery of an illegal firearm, according to Holyoke Police.
Illegal fireworks set off in Holyoke Mall parking lot
According to police, at approximately 2:45 a.m. on February 15, officers patrolling Cabot Street observed a vehicle running a red light. When they attempted a traffic stop near Commercial Street, the driver initially complied but then sped away, prompting a chase.
The chase was later called off for safety reasons, but officers soon spotted the suspect vehicle again, this time after it had crashed into the porch of a home near the intersection of Northampton Street and Westfield Road.
Police say no one inside the home was hurt, and neither the driver nor the passenger were injured. However, during their investigation, Officers Joshua Rivera and Jose Millan discovered an illegal firearm inside the vehicle.
As a result, both the driver, a 17-year-old girl, and the passenger, 19-year-old Shaniquha Thomas of Holyoke, were placed under arrest.
Thomas faces multiple firearm-related charges, including:
Carrying a firearm without a license
Improper storage of a firearm
Possession of ammunition without an FID card
The 17-year-old driver will also face firearms-related charges in addition to motor vehicle violations under Massachusetts Chapter 90 laws. Due to her age, her name has not been released.
Holyoke Police have not disclosed further details about the firearm but continue to investigate the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Holyoke Police Department.
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