HOLYOKE, MA – A pregnant woman was tragically caught in the crossfire of a street altercation in Holyoke on Wednesday afternoon, leading to the premature birth and subsequent death of her baby. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Maple and Sargeant streets, according to State Police.
The woman was a passenger on a bus passing through the area when a stray bullet struck her. She was quickly transported to the hospital in critical condition, where her baby was delivered but sadly did not survive. Jade Nelson, a fellow passenger on the bus, recounted the horrifying incident, stating that she heard seven or eight gunshots before the bus came to a halt and the passengers flagged down nearby police officers.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office confirmed that three suspects involved in the altercation were apprehended and are in police custody at the hospital. Their identities have not been disclosed.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Holyoke Police Department had held a press conference discussing the increased detection of gunfire by their ShotSpotter system, which was installed in March. Eddie Caisse, a member of the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative, expressed his distress over the incident, emphasizing the trauma such events inflict on the community.
Residents of the area voiced their concerns about the ongoing violence and drug issues in the neighborhood. Kenya Simmons, a local resident, expressed her frustration over the lack of progress in combating these issues.
The three suspects involved in the shooting are expected to face charges, according to prosecutors. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey condemned the shooting, labeling it as “senseless” and expressing her sorrow over the tragic loss of life.