By: Laura Soukkavong
Holyoke – Police recovered more than 100 bags of suspected heroin or fentanyl and approximately 30 vials of suspected crack cocaine during the incident.
At 11:00 a.m., on March 2, around Clemente Street and Cabot Street, a well-being check was conducted when he observed an individual trespassing on private property.
At Sgt. Veit and Officer Murphy approached the individual, and a foot pursuit took place. Before the foot pursuit, officers observed drug paraphernalia in the location where the individual was standing.
Officers eventually took the suspect into custody and identified him as Josue Ortiz, 31, of Holyoke. During the arrest, officers located a blood-filled syringe clenched in Ortiz’s hand. A search also resulted in the seizure of approximately 115 bags of suspected heroin or fentanyl, 30 vials of suspected crack cocaine, and two large knives. Ortiz has a prior conviction for drug-related charges and possession. He now faces multiple charges, including Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A and Class B substances (subsequent offense), and Possession of Class A and Class B Drugs (Subsequent Offense), Carrying a Dangerous Weapon, Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, and Assault and Battery on a police officer.
He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.