Recklessly pedaling his bicycle on the sidewalk led to Hector Gonzalez being arrested for peddling drugs, police said.
Hector GonzalezSPRINGFIELD – Recklessly pedaling his bicycle on the sidewalk led to a 34-year-old city man being arrested for peddling drugs, police said.
Hector Junior Gonzalez of 413 Riverside Road was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, assault and battery on a police officer, and as well a bicycle law violation: failing to yield to pedestrians.
Officers Kevin Merchant and Eugene Roux spotted Gonzalez riding his bicycle on the sidewalk along Main Street in what was described as a reckless manner, causing several pedestrians to dodge him, said Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet.
According to state laws, bicyclists may ride on the sidewalk instead of the road in high-traffic areas but must yield to pedestrians. When the officers pulled up along side of Gonzalez and told him to ride more responsibly, he shouted “No, I’m not stopping,” Delaney said.
He then turned onto Boylston Street, ditched the bicycle and ran off on foot, leading police on a brief chase that ended with Gonzalez attempting to hit and kick Merchant and Roux, Delaney said.
During the pursuit, they saw him toss a plastic bag that was later found to contain 30 oxycodone tablets, he said.
Gonzalez was scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Springfield District Court, but information on the arraignment was not available.