Suspect arrested with loaded firearm following car crash

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield police arrested a man after a car crash Monday evening, which led to the discovery of a loaded firearm in his vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of Fountain Street and Woodlawn Street.

At around 9:15 p.m., officers received reports of an accident with injuries at the intersection, where 54-year-old Charles Hayes had crashed into a parked car. Prior to the officers’ arrival, a witness retrieved a firearm from Hayes’s vehicle.

Upon investigation, police discovered that Hayes was uninsured and that his vehicle was not properly registered. Hayes, who has previous felony convictions, was given medical care before being taken into custody. After receiving treatment at Baystate Medical Center, he was brought to Springfield Police Headquarters for booking. Hayes was also cited for the crash.

Hayes faces several charges, including:

• Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
• Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card
• Firearm Violation with 3 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
• Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle

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