Task Force & Springfield Police Officers were conducting an investigation when they observed a car driving erratically and committing traffic violations. A traffic stop was conducted. A firearm was located under the passenger seat where Mr. Mercado was seated. As officers attempted to place Mr. Mercado into custody he began striking the officer and trooper in an attempt to flee before he was able to be placed under arrest. The Trooper then located a second firearm underneath the passenger seat. The first firearm was loaded with 16 rounds of armor piercing ammunition. The second firearm was loaded with 13 rounds and reported stolent out of Vermont. The driver fully cooperated and was later released.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni stated, “My office is focused on promoting community safety by leading local, state, and federal law enforcement to focus on the most violent and repeat offenders. This arrest removes a dangerous individual from our streets and prevents further acts of violence and lawlessness. We will continue to employ smart and aggressive strategies in protecting our neighborhoods.”
“This is just another example of why GPS bracelets don’t deter violent repeat offenders from carrying guns or commiting crimes. For the good of the citizens of Springfield and the safety of our officers we hope that he is held pending trial in these two open cases. Those armor piercing bullets can go right through a protective vest and the large capacity firearms can fire an abundance of bullets in mere seconds. I thank D.A. Gulluni and the State Police for the continued partnership we have to keep our residents safe in the city of Springfield,” said Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “ First of all, it is ironic, I just met with a local group Families Against Violence and Ms. Francena Brown and her team of strong-hearted women – they have been adversely affected by gun violence, losing loved ones to this unnecessary violence in our community. One of their major concerns was how and why are these repeat violent repeat offenders being let go and back on our streets and into our neighborhoods. I applaud the continued great work from our brave and dedicated men and women in blue and I am forever thankful for their efforts and our partnership work with District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and the State Police. Unfortunately, our court system continues its “revolving door” practices of allowing these gun toting miscreants back on our streets and in our neighborhoods – just plain unacceptable and my residents and business community do not deserve it or appreciate it!”
“I would suggest, that if they’re not going to be locked up, maybe some of these Judge’s put out a welcome mat and invite these repeat violent criminal offenders into their neighborhoods – they might then think twice about letting them out again,” Mayor Sarno added.
In March 2019 Springfield Police Officers arrested Mr. Mercado on firearms charges where he was prosecuted by the Hampden District Attorney’s office and convicted. In September 2020 Springfield Police Officers arrested Mr. Mercado again with three loaded firearms and is facing 16 firearms charges in that case. Mr. Mercado was released pending trial with the condition that he wear a GPS ankle bracelet. Mr. Mercado is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court on these most recent charges.
22 year old Nathan Mercado of Springfield is charged with:
- Carrying a Firearm without a License (2 Counts)
- Carrying a Loaded Large Capacity Firearm on a public way (2 Counts)
- Possession of a Firearm without a FID Card – Subsequent Offense (2 Counts)
- Receiving Stolen Property Less than $1200
- Assault & Battery on a Police Officer (2 Counts)
- Resisting Arrest
