HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Three people were arrested last Friday in Holyoke after police responded to reports of open-air drug dealing in the Elm Street area. Authorities also recovered a stolen vehicle during the operation.
According to Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan, an officer was monitoring the area around 9:30 a.m. due to ongoing complaints from residents about drug dealing. During surveillance, a vehicle that had been reported stolen was observed conducting suspicious activity that appeared to be drug-related.
The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, which contained five occupants. Three of them, including the driver, attempted to flee the scene but were quickly apprehended with the help of Hampden County Sheriff’s Deputies. All five individuals were detained after police discovered empty crack cocaine vials inside the vehicle.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado from Holyoke, was arrested. Two other passengers who did not attempt to escape were also taken into custody. Upon searching 43-year-old Jesus Jauridez of Holyoke, officers found approximately 12 capsules of crack cocaine and seven bags of heroin and fentanyl. A subsequent search of Jauridez’s motel room uncovered illegally owned ammunition, which will be added to his charges.
41-year-old Vanessa LaFlamme of Springfield was arrested due to outstanding warrants and crack cocaine found in her possession.
The following charges were made:
Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado: Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
Jesus Jauridez: Possession of a Class A Drug, Possession of a Class B Drug, Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle
Vanessa LaFlamme: Possession of a Class B Drug, Arrest Warrant (Default)
The two other individuals who were detained were later released. The Holyoke Police Department will continue efforts to combat drug dealing in the Elm Street, Appleton Street, and Suffolk Street areas.
