Rhakishon M. Pedroza, 23, of Springfield was arrested and a loaded .45 caliber handgun was recovered after an incident at the Benjamin Schoolfield Basketball Classic tournament on Monday.
Rhakishon M. PedrozaSPRINGFIELD - Rhakishon M. Pedroza, 23, of Springfield was arrested and a loaded .45 caliber handgun was recovered after an incident at the Benjamin Schoolfield Basketball Classic tournament on Monday.
According to Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, officers Victor Allder and Herminio Rivas were on patrol at the tournament in an effort to prevent any gang-related violence from breaking out.
The tournament, held at Deberry Park on Union Street, is named after Benjamin Schoolfield, who was shot in 1994 by Springfield police after a traffic stop in a van that was falsely reported stolen. His friends have held the tournament annually since 1996 to unite the community peacefully.
The tournament's website says the point of the event is to positively affect the local youth.
"Our friend died tragically so you don’t have to," the organizers wrote. "Be aware of every choice you make and make decisions that improve your situation. Without hard work comes no reward. Be accountable and think."
Delaney said that when officers spotted "gang members" gathering, one of them ran.
"Officer Allder, fresh from the (police) academy, gave chase on foot," Delaney said. "The officer never lost sight of him and he observed the gang member throw down a gun he was carrying."
Delaney said Allder caught Pedroza, whose address is listed as 51 Monroe St., Springfield, and recovered the loaded semi-automatic handgun. Police said a full clip of ammunition was also found in Pedroza's pocket.
Pedroza was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a license, possession of a class-E substance, resisting arrest and he was found to have an active warrant out of Palmer District Court.
Pedroza was held awaiting arraignment in Springfield District Court.