LUDLOW — Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department arrested and charged a Springfield man with 19 counts including multiple motor vehicle offenses and unlawful possession of a firearm following an incident on Tuesday afternoon.
DAYNE BENNETT, AGE 30, of SPRINGFIELD, was arrested and charged with:
- Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Stop for a Stop Sign
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Ammunition Without FID Card
- Improper Storage of Large Capacity Firearm
- Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device
- Assault on a Police Officer (two counts)
- Leaving the Scene of Property Damage
- Leaving the Scene of Personal Injury
- Resisting Arrest
- Assault
- Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle
- Speeding Greater than Reasonable
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License
- Disorderly Conduct
- Vandalize Property
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, at about 2:20 p.m., Ludlow Police parked in the police station parking lot, 612 Chapin St., observed a gray Acura MDX traveling eastbound on Chapin Street crash into a mailbox.
After colliding with the mailbox, police observed the vehicle drive away approximately 15 miles over the area’s posted speed limit. Police activated their emergency lights to conduct a motor vehicle stop.
While attempting to pull the vehicle over, officers observed the Acura driving erratically.
The Acura then collided with a Honda Pilot at the intersection of Chapin Street and Sportsman’s Road. The Acura attempted to drive away following the collision but lost control before crashing into a cement bridge abutment on the other side of the intersection. At this point, the airbags in the Acura deployed, immobilizing the vehicle.
The Honda Pilot suffered significant damage as a result of the collision, and one of the occupants of the vehicle was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries that are believed to be non-life threatening.
While officers were speaking to the operator of the Acura, identified as BENNETT, they observed a handgun on the floor of the driver’s seat. This is the second firearm Ludlow Police has seized in the last two months.
BENNETT was arrested without incident.
An initial investigation determined that the gun was loaded at the time of the incident. Further investigation determined that BENNETT did not have a license to carry a firearm or ammunition and that his driver’s license had been suspended.
During the booking process, BENNETT became aggressive toward officers. While officers were attempting to de-escalate the situation, BENNETT caused injury to an officer that required them to be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation of injuries believed to be minor.
BENNETT was arraigned in Palmer District Court on Wednesday, where it was determined he would be held on $20,000 bail.
As a result of this incident, there were significant traffic delays in the area, including school buses and parent pick-up of students. Chief Valadas would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation, which allowed the police to properly process and clear the scene.
This is the second incident in one week involving a felonious motor vehicle pursuit. On Monday, Jan. 13, a Ludlow Police Officer made a stop of a stolen 2025 BMW Sedan with two occupants. After initially stopping, the driver fled the scene and headed towards the Massachusetts Turnpike, driving erratically at an extremely high rate of speed. Due to the driver’s dangerous speed and the threat to motorists on the turnpike, Officers had to discontinue pursuit of the vehicle. The incident remains under investigation by Ludlow Police.
“These serious criminal acts illustrate the daily risk and danger that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. I commend my officers involved with these cases and their perseverance in protecting our community,” said Chief Valadas.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
