By: Laura Soukkavong
Springfield – The firearms investigation unit (FIU) and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department arrested three individuals and recovered a substantial quantity of cocaine along with an illegal firearm.
On Feb. 18, at 11 am, the FIU Detectives had been investigating narcotics and illegal firearms activity. Detectives on Wednesday observed a male individual identified as Dean Banks driving in the Cedar Street area and making a suspected drug transaction on the 300 block of Dickinson Street.
Officers detained the buyer, identified as Scott Taylor, and recovered six bags of cocaine. Taylor was taken into custody. Meanwhile, near Hickory Street and Hancock Street, Banks refused to stop for police and fled the area. Subsequently, the vehicle was abandoned on Athol Street.
The passenger, identified as Leon Jenkins, was located on the 800 block of Liberty Street and was taken into custody. Banks were later apprehended near Van Horn Park. A warrant was obtained by detectives for Bank’s residence on Cedar Street at 2:30 pm. With the assistance of K9 Flex, officers recovered an illegal firearm, over 100 grams of powder and crack-cocaine, loose ammunition, a taser, and nearly $5,000 in cash.
Banks, 41, of Springfield, on charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Firearm Violation with Two Prior Violent/Drug Crimes, Two Counts of Possession of a Firearm During a Felony – Subsequent Offense, Improper Storage of a Firearm, Two Counts of Possession of a Firearm Without an FID Card – Subsequent Offense, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Cocaine Trafficking 100 Grams or More, Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law, Distribution of a Class B Drug, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash and Failure to Submit for Law Enforcement.
Jenkins, 43, of Springfield, on charges of Distribution of a Class Drug and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Law.
Taylor, 41, Springfield, on charge of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug.
All three suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.