Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department has arrested and charged a local man with multiple firearms violations following a disturbance on Bristol Street on Saturday, June 29.

JOAO C. AFONSO, AGE 44, OF LUDLOW, was arrested and charged with:

• Carrying a Firearm Without a License (felony)
• Possessing a Large Capacity Feeding Device (felony)
• Possession of Ammunition Without an ID Card
• Possession of a Firearm with Defaced Serial Number (felony)
• Disorderly Conduct
• Resisting Arrest (Two counts)

He was arraigned on July 1 at Palmer District Court and released on bail.

Shortly after 8 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported a disturbance involving a male yelling and screaming near a parked vehicle on Bristol Street. Several police officers responded to the scene and located the man, later identified as AFONSO. Upon investigation, officers found an unloaded firearm, a large capacity magazine and ammunition on the suspect.

As Afonso was in an excited state, potentially creating a danger to himself and others, officers requested an ambulance. The Ludlow Fire Department transported him to a local hospital for evaluation. After being discharged from Baystate Health, he was brought back to the Ludlow Police Department for booking.

“The Ludlow Police officers involved in this case demonstrated outstanding police work by swiftly responding to the disturbance and safely securing an illegally possessed firearm,” said Chief Valadas. “In today’s environment, dealing with armed individuals is a growing concern. Our priority is always the safety and well-being of our community, and we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on to ensure everyone’s safety.”