HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke and State Police arrested more than 50 people Wednesday as part of an operation to combat violence and drug dealing in the city.

Holyoke Police say a total of 51 people were arrested as part of Operation Holyoke Safe Streets, a zero-tolerance program to prevent violent crime, drug dealing and other offenses. Holyoke Police Detective Hamel shared the following results to 22News:

• 51 arrests processed at Holyoke Police Department and Mass State Police Barracks. Charges included:
  • Outstanding warrants  
  • Firearm related offenses 
  • Narcotics trafficking  
  • Narcotics distribution  
  • Narcotics possession  
  • Drug violation near School/park 
  • Reckless endangerment of a child 
  • Stolen motor vehicle 
  • Assault and battery on a police officer 
• 285 motor vehicle stops  
• 130 motor vehicle citations  
• 126 motor vehicle verbal warnings  
• 29 Criminal Summons 
• 57 property checks  
• 53 street stops 
• Illegal firearm & ammunition recovered  
• 71 – outreach attempts completed by HPD / CHD staff regarding services for crisis intervention, mental health, & substance abuse recovery

Clinicians from the Center for Human Development also assisted in four 911 calls Wednesday.

22News received several tips of incidents involving State Police throughout Holyoke on Wednesday. A 22News crew saw State Police on Holyoke Street around 12:30 p.m. with a K-9 unit after a vehicle was towed away. They continued to Lower Westfield Road for another incident. A viewer also reported to 22News that State Police were on North Canal Street searching a vehicle during a traffic stop.

State Police shared a photo of one arrest where a firearm, knife, drugs and cash were seized. State and Holyoke Police were conducting the operation all through Wednesday, along with members of Department of Justice, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, FBI WMass GTF, DEA, ATF, and HSI.

This operation comes one week after a shooting in downtown Holyoke where a stray bullet hit a pregnant woman and led to the death of an infant. Two people have been arraigned while police are still searching for a third suspect, 28-year-old Kermith Alvarez of Holyoke.