SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – After a traffic stop on the 0-100 block of Brigham Street at approximately 2:30 a.m. Friday, February 10th, Springfield Police officers seized a loaded firearm and arrested two suspects, Shakim Grant, and Irvin Sanchez.

Springfield Police officers observed a car driving at a high speed on Union Street around 2:10 a.m. They caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in the 0-100 block of Brigham Street.

Shakim Grant, the passenger, was arrested due to active warrants. Officers also discovered a gun under the car’s passenger seat.

Credit: Springfield Police Department

Additionally taken into custody was the driver, Irvin Sanchez. Sanchez, who is out on bail after being charged with possessing a firearm, has convictions for the distribution of heroin in both Hampshire and Hampden Counties.

Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield released this statement in a news release from the City of Springfield about the arrests, “With the rearrests of two repeat violent criminal offenders on gun charges, one who was out on bail with a firearm and heroin drug dealing charges in both Hampden and Hampshire Counties, and another who was out with numerous active warrants, shows that our courts and some of our judges continue to perpetuate a broken system that shows complete disregard to our residents and business community by allowing these repeat violent criminal offenders, again and again, out through their ‘revolving door’ to continue to create mayhem on our streets and in our neighborhoods.  While these two repeat criminal offenders were joyriding around, Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood and I spent Friday speaking with residents and property owners affected by gun violence and shootings in their neighborhoods.  Not only did we update them on the Springfield Police Departments’ continued and ongoing efforts, which they acknowledged and appreciated, but also on the issue of why the courts and some judges allow this to happen.  This has to stop!  I again want to thank State Representative Angelo Puppolo for continuing to file my bail reform legislation, and District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and Sheriff Nick Cocchi for their continued partnership in this quest to keep our residents and business community safe and sound – we’ll keep fighting.”   

27-year-old Shakim Grant of Springfield is charged with:

• Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card

• Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card

• Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm) while having an Active Warrant

• Arrest Warrant (Agawam Police)
– Assault & Battery (Two Counts)

• Arrest Warrant (Charlton Police)
– Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License
– Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration
– Unregistered Motor Vehicle

27-year-old Irvin Sanchez of Chicopee is charged with:

• Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card

• Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card

• Firearm Violation with 3 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes

• Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Speeding Violation