Springfield Police Department

SPD FIU Detectives Seize Illegal Firearm

 

SPD FIU Detectives Seize Illegal Firearm

Springfield, Mass. — On Thursday July 17th, members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) under the direction of Sergeant Evan Donermeyer seized an illegal firearm and arrested 52-year-old James Chapman on the 100 block of Westminster Street.  

Thursday morning, FIU Detectives received information that a subject, later identified as Chapman, was in possession of a revolver.  Detectives discovered that Chapman did not have a license to carry a firearm and his driver's license was suspended.  

Around 4:05 p.m., Detectives located Chapman on Westminster Street as he parked a car.  Detectives placed him under arrest for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. 

FIU Detectives then observed a revolver on a seat in the vehicle.  It was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.  

The Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit has now seized 111 illegal firearms this year, while the department as a whole has seized 208 illegal firearms in 2025.  

52-year-old James Chapman of Springfield is charged with:

  • Carrying a Firearm without a License
  • Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License
  • Improper Storage of a Firearm
  • Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License