Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the location where the suspect was arrested. It was written stating West Springfield, but the arrest was made in Holyoke. We regret the error.
TURNERS FALLS, Mass. (WWLP) – A Sunrise, Florida man is now facing 11 charges in connection with a shooting that took place in Turners Falls, leaving one individual injured.
According to Massachusetts State Police Spokesperson Dave Procopio, law enforcement officers were actively engaged in a search operation in the vicinity of 11th Street in Turners Falls. The operation was aimed at locating a shooting suspect who had run into a wooded area. Collaborative efforts were underway involving State Police units such as the Air Wing, K9 teams, and tactical units, in conjunction with Montague Police.
Northwestern District Attorney’s Office Spokesperson Laurie Loisel told 22News that the incident resulted in the injury of a 30-year-old Athol resident, but is expected to recover.
State police reported that at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, they conducted a traffic stop on I-91 in Holyoke, resulting in the suspect, Gil Viera.
Gil Viera’s legal proceedings commenced with him being arraigned on a list of charges, including:
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault and battery with a firearm
- Assault and battery causing serious bodily injury
- Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
- Possession of ammunition without an FID card
- Possession of heroin
- Possession of cocaine
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a residence
- Carrying a firearm without a license
- Withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding
- Disorderly conduct
At the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Aidan Lanciani requested that the court hold Viera without bail for 120 days based on the perceived risk he poses. Once this initial 120-day period concludes, Viera would be required to post a $100,000 cash bail for release. Represented by defense attorney Dierdre Gleason, Viera’s pretrial conference is scheduled for September 26.
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