A Springfield police officer has been discharged from the hospital after being shot overnight by a man known for previous weapons violation charges.
The officer is a 20-year veteran according to police commissioner Cheryl Clapprood. He was shot twice in the left arm, and is recovering at Baystate Medical Center. He's "in good spirits," according to Mayor Domenic Sarno, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Kenneth Hernandez, 25, was arrested on a medley of charges. He has a prior criminal history, according to Sarno.
Two police officers were working a detail at the Aquarius Nightclub Saturday night when they noticed an incident at a Dunkin' Donuts across the street from the club. When they arrived, officers saw a man bleeding from the head from an assault with a broken bottle, according to Clapprood.
The officers heard a woman shout in Spanish "what are you getting? What are you getting?" to Hernandez. Hernandez then walked toward the officers with his arms behind his back. When the officers demanded Hernandez showed them his hands, he pulled a pistol from behind his back and opened fire on the officers, according to police.
The second officer took cover and fired back at Hernandez, Clapprood said. Meanwhile, more gunfire was coming from behind the officers.
Hernandez was arrested on Colonial Avenue. The suspected weapon involved in the shooting was recovered from a trash barrel behind the Dunkin' Donuts, and three different caliber rounds of ammunition were found on the scene.
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"It was quite the gun fight the officers found themselves in," Clapprood said.
There was one more person struck by gunfire, according to police. That person was brought to Baystate in a private car, treated and released.
The other officer involved is on paid administrative leave.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police are anticipating more arrests.
Gaucher Street is closed while crews worked.
