Four arrested after police find 61 shell casings in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Four suspects have been arrested after gunfire breaks out in a Springfield neighborhood over the weekend.

Springfield Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh said officers responded to the 100 block of Jefferson Avenue around 7 p.m. Sunday for a ShotSpotter activation. When they arrived, police found evidence that a shooting occurred on the 0-100 block of Calhoun Street and two houses and a vehicle damaged by gunfire. Sixteen rounds of ammunition were found inside the vehicle.

Walsh added that there was some sort of vigil happening in the neighborhood when the shots started, but aside from that, the motives are unclear.

Two suspects - 23-year-old Keyshawn Watson and 24-year-old Giovanni Ramirez, both of Springfield – were located near the area of Dwight Street and Grove Street. Watson allegedly tried to run away, but he was arrested on the 0-100 block of Harriet Street. Walsh noted that officers reportedly found a loaded gun inside Watson’s coat.

Investigators also received information that Ramirez allegedly dropped a gun on the 1500 block of Dwight Street. The loaded ghost gun, capable of holding 21 rounds of ammunition, was recovered and he was placed under arrest.

Walsh added that five people were then stopped along the 3100 block of Main Street. One person, 18-year-old Anthony Espaillat of Springfield, tried to run away, but he was immediately stopped and police reportedly found a large capacity gun and a gun magazine on his person.

Another person, 22-year-old Jaiden Thomas of Springfield, also tried to run away, but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Police reportedly found a loaded gun in his waistband and he was placed under arrest.

Walsh explained nearly 300 illegal guns have been taken off the streets in 2026 and it’s just another example of Springfield Police doing their jobs properly. “We’re just about the same number as last year with shootings. Our homicides are significantly down. You know, our officers do an amazing job getting these illegal firearms off the street,” he said.

Watson, Ramirez, Espaillat, and Thomas are all facing several gun-related charges, as well as charges of two counts of attempted assault and battery with a firearm, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. Watson is also facing three counts of assault and battery on an police officer.

Walsh said that, in total, 61 shell casings were found on Calhoun Street and Jefferson Avenue.