Two Springfield men reportedly wanted in connection with a string of burglaries in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut were apprehended after what police described as a drug deal gone bad.
HAMPDEN - Two Springfield men reportedly wanted in connection with a string of burglaries in western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut were apprehended after what police described as a drug deal gone bad.
Julio Matos, 20, of 41 Wait St. and Julio L. Santiago II, 27, of 101 Draper St. were charged with armed robbery, committing a home invasion while armed, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm with defaced serial numbers, receiving a stolen vehicle, possession of a firearm without a license and possession of a Class-B substance, Hampden police said Saturday.
Around 5:44 p.m. Friday evening, Hampden police were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle on Crestwood Lane.
Sgt. William Joy found a silver Honda running on the side of the road and he checked a nearby driveway, where he allegedly found Matos and Santiago rifling through an SUV.
A high school student then came out of the house and told the sergeant that he and three friends were sitting in the SUV when they were robbed at gunpoint by the men. He then said the duo fled but returned approximately ten minutes later to rob them again, this time while they were inside the house.
Matos and Santiago were arrested by Sgt. Joy and officer B. Purchas and a search allegedly revealed an illegal gun and controlled substance in their possession.
Police said the situation was not random crime as the two men came in contact with the four students when one of them reportedly called to arrange a drug deal.
Matos and Santiago were held awaiting arraignment which was scheduled for Monday in Palmer District Court.