Photo: Springfield Police Department
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A good Samaritan saved two police officers' lives after a suspect got ahold of an officer's gun in Springfield on Tuesday.
At around 12:30 P.M. Springfield Police got reports of an armed robbery at the Metro PCS on Armory Street. Shortly after, an officer saw a man matching the description of the robbery suspect on Chapin Terrace. When the officer approached the man, later identified as 41-year-old Joseph Gonzalez, a struggle began between the two, Springfield Police said.
Pedro Perez was driving by, saw the struggle, and asked the officer if they needed help. Perez then got out of his car and attempted to help restrain Gonzalez, but he managed to grab ahold of the officer's service pistol. Another officer then arrived at the scene and tried to help the other officer and good Samaritan Perez disarm Gonzalez, SPD said.
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As the struggle to disarm the suspect continued, Gonzalez was allegedly able to fire two rounds with the officer's gun just narrowly missing both officers and Perez. One round hit Gonzalez's own hand while the other hit Perez's truck.
The officers were then able to get the firearm away from Gonzalez and arrest him. Officers provided first aid to him for his injuries before he was transported to Baystate for treatment. The first officer at the scene was also sent to Baystate for treatment.
“Without the help of Mr. Perez there undoubtedly would have been a much different outcome to this incident. His actions in all likelihood saved the lives of two Springfield Police Officers. This dangerous suspect had zero regard for anyone’s livelihood and my officers involved put their lives on the line to prevent this individual from causing any additional harm. These officers displayed a degree of professionalism and bravery that their families, our fellow officers and the residents of the city they serve should be extremely proud of,” Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood said.
Officers later recovered a large knife and the stolen cash that was taken from Metro PCS. Gonzalez is being charged with armed and masked robbery, three counts of firearm-armed assault to murder, and several other charges.
Mastroianni's Auto Body heard about the incident and offered to fix Perez's truck free of charge and provide him with transportation until it is fixed.
WBZ's John Baibak has more:
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