National Police Week, which occurs this year between May 11 and 17, honors law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to the sacrifices made to keep communities safe and an opportunity to support the colleagues and families of officers who have given their lives.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund reported that since the first recorded police death in 1786, there have been over 24,000 police officers killed in the line of duty. With over 800,000 law enforcement officers currently serving in the United States, there are plenty of people to thank for protecting our communities. During this week, please extend your appreciation to local police officers by thanking them for their duty, or show gratitude to those who lost their lives in service by attending a local memorial service.

LUDLOW — Chief Daniel Valadas reports that the Ludlow Police Department arrested and charged a Springfield man with numerous motor vehicle offenses following a vehicle pursuit and crash.

 

JOVANNI COLON RODIRGUEZ, AGE 22, OF SPRINGFIELD, was arrested and charged with:

• Failure to Stop for Police
• Uninsured Motor Vehicle
• Operating with a Suspended License
• Negligent Operation of Motor Vehicle
• Resisting Arrest
• Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Operating a Vehicle with Suspended Registration
• Operating without an Inspection Sticker
• Failure to Stop or Yield
• Speeding
• Possession of Marijuana Outside of a Residence

On Tuesday, April 29, at approximately 8:54 p.m., a Ludlow Police officer who was on patrol in the area of West Street saw a vehicle traveling approximately 50 mph in a 30 mph zone, nearly striking another vehicle.

 

The officer learned that the vehicle’s registration had been revoked and that the driver, later identified as COLON RODRIGUEZ, had an outstanding warrant, and the officer attempted to make a stop.

 

COLON RODRIGUEZ failed to stop, fleeing over the town line into Springfield. An officer broke off pursuit for safety reasons, but eventually came across the vehicle, which had crashed at Pasco Road and Boston Road in Springfield.

 

COLON RODRIGUEZ attempted to flee the scene but was caught and arrested after a brief struggle.

 

COLON RODRIGUEZ was booked at the Ludlow Police Station and released on personal recognizance bail. He will be arraigned at a later date in Palmer District Court.

 

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