GREENFIELD — Two Holyoke men facing drug and gun charges who led police on a vehicle chase and foot pursuit in January were arraigned in Franklin County Superior Court on Monday and had their unposted bail requirements transferred from Greenfield District Court.
Edgar Hernandez, 38, pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, one count of removal or mutilation of serial or identification numbers of firearms, and one count of a prior violent crime or serious drug offense. His bail is set at $25,000.
Luis Colon, 36, pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of removal or mutilation of serial or identification numbers of firearms, and one count of a prior violent crime or serious drug offense. His bail is set at $50,000.
Acting Police Chief William Gordon previously recounted from a police report that Greenfield Police Officer Patrick Merrigan was turning onto Federal Street at around 9 p.m. on Jan. 14 when he noticed a vehicle having trouble staying within marked lanes before it turned right onto Main Street using the straight-ahead lane instead of the turning lane. Merrigan attempted to stop the vehicle, but it drove around the rotary and back onto Main Street and onto Highland Avenue before pulling into a resident’s driveway.
The suspects, Hernandez and Colon, fled on foot into the woods, according to Gordon. Hernandez, who was riding in the passenger seat, allegedly threw a package out the window. Police later found the package, which contained a loaded pistol with the serial numbers removed.
According to Gordon, K-9 Niko tackled Hernandez, allowing Merrigan, Niko’s handler, to apprehend him. State Police troopers apprehended Colon as he exited the woods a few blocks away.
Both defendants are due back in court for pretrial hearings on Aug. 25.
Reach Domenic Poli at dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.