6 suspects arrested, 4 weapons seized, drugs seized in connection with over a dozen armed robberies in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Six people are facing charges after a lengthy investigation into more than a dozen armed robberies in and around Springfield.

Springfield Police spokesman Ryan Walsh said the department's Criminal Investigation Bureau has been investigating a series of armed robberies involving firearms since April that occurred between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Investigators believe at least 14 similar incidents have occurred in Springfield and neighboring cities over the past five months, including:

• April 20: Sullivan's Allen Street Package Store, 390 Allen Street
• June 27: Kwik Pic, 32 Boston Road
• June 29: Citgo Gas, 707 Dickinson Street
• July 2: New World Gas Station, 570 Sumner Avenue
• July 11: Lucky Mini Mart, 604 Page Blvd
• August 23: Kwik Pic, 32 Boston Road
• Aug. 25: Plus One Convenience, 907 Carew St
• August 27: New World Gas Station, 570 Sumner Avenue
• September 5: New World Gas Station, 527 Allen Street
• September 5: Shell gas station, 940 Belmont Avenue
• September 12: Sparky's Gas Station – 429 Boston Road
• September 15: Shell Gas Station – 940 Belmont Avenue
• September 16: 7-Eleven gas station, 425 Springfield Street
• September 18: 7/11 gas station, 450 Cooley Street

On Wednesday, surveillance was conducted when investigators reportedly observed four suspects preparing to commit another robbery. Walsh explained that the suspects parked a car and a scooter on Wayne Street across from a gas station on Allen Street at around 8:45 p.m. Investigators approached the suspects and arrested 22-year-old Javahn Resto, 29-year-old Carlos Resto Jr., 33-year-old Malwin Feliciano, all of Springfield, and a 17-year-old boy.

Investigators discovered a high-capacity Ghost Gun that had 33 rounds in the magazine and featured a trigger pull that allegedly made the weapon fully automatic. Another high-capacity pistol loaded with 17 rounds was also seized.

Following the arrests, investigators applied for a search warrant for a home on Dearborn Street. While the home was under surveillance and investigators were waiting for the search warrant to be issued, 48-year-old Carlos Resto Sr. allegedly got into a car and drove away. A short time later, he was stopped on Jasper Street and during his arrest, two high-capacity ammunition magazines were found in the car. Resto Sr. was subsequently arrested.

Walsh added that a search of the vehicle also uncovered a loaded rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, approximately 327 bags of heroin, over 60 grams of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, shotgun shells, a weapon laser, more ammunition, more than $3,000 in cash and five additional magazines.

After the search warrant was obtained, it was executed and a 17-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly loading backpacks into the vehicle in which the contraband was found.

Springfield Police Chief Lawrence Akers said in a statement:

The suspects are accused of:

• Javahn Resto:
  • Robbery with firearms and masked (11 cases)
  • Possession of a machine gun
  • Possession of a loaded machine gun
  • Possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit
  • Carrying a loaded large caliber weapon on public roads
  • Improper storage of a firearm
  • Attempted armed and masked robbery
  • Bodily harm with a dangerous weapon
• Carlos Resto Jr.:
  • Possession of a machine gun
  • Possession of a loaded machine gun
  • Possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit
  • Carrying a loaded large caliber weapon on public roads
  • Improper storage of a firearm
  • Attempted armed and masked robbery
• Malwin Feliciano:
  • Possession of a machine gun
  • Possession of a loaded machine gun
  • Possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit
  • Carrying a loaded large caliber weapon on public roads
  • Improper storage of a firearm
  • Attempted armed and masked robbery
• Carlos Resto Sr.:
  • Carrying a firearm without a permit (two counts)
  • Possession of ammunition without a FID card
  • Cocaine trafficking 36-100 grams
  • Possession of a Class A drug with intent to distribute – subsequent offence
  • Possession of a Class B drug with intent to distribute – subsequent offence
  • Possession of a high capacity magazine/feeder (five counts)
  • Possession of a large capacity firearm during the commission of a crime (three counts)
  • Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (three counts)
  • Possession of a Class D drug with intent to distribute – subsequent offence
  • Carrying a loaded rifle/shotgun on a public way (two counts)

Walsh noted that the names of the two teenagers and the charges against them could not be disclosed due to their age.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno added in a statement:

The case remains under investigation by the Springfield Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau in cooperation with the Hampden District Attorney's Office.

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