A large number of illegally possessed firearms have been seized in the largest city in western Massachusetts.
Arrests by Springfield police in June, July, and August resulted in 110 guns being taken off the streets according to Police Commissioner John Barbieri.
"Its a lot of guns," said Barbieri. " Its not that they have not been out there in the past, but we've gotten really good at making our arrests. I"ll point out that in the last four years we are not arresting more people, we are arresting the right people."
There were 3 fatal shootings in Springfield that occurred the same week as the opening of the MGM casino. Barbieri, speaking at a meeting of the City Council Public Safety Committee, said police patrols in other parts of the city had not been reduced to provide more security for the casino opening.
He said the fatal shootings were “not random” and do not appear to be connected. No arrests have been made.