SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — A cab ride confession leads to accusations of child abuse.

Springfield Police say 36-year-old, Dahu Joseph Junior kicked a young child in the ribs with such force it put the child in the hospital.

Tonight, he’s still out on the streets.

Police say if it wasn’t for the confession of a taxi passenger and a quick-thinking driver, Dahu Joseph Junior may have escaped facing charges.

“He’s wanted on assault and battery on a child with intent to do injury,” says Police Sgt. John Delaney.

That child, only 6-years-old according to police.

Police say his attacker Joseph, was at that time living in the same home.

“He was an acquaintance of the six year old’s mom,” explains Delaney.

Police say January 6, a cab was called to the home to take someone to the hospital.

That person was the 6-year-old boy who somehow had been injured.

Delaney says, “There was a conversation in the back of the cab that the driver was listening to…”

The one telling the story was the young victim’s sister.  Police say the cab driver noticed she had a black eye.

“They talked about Mr. Joseph kicking the 6 year old in the ribs because he asked for something to drink,” Delaney goes on to say.

Arriving at the ER a closer examination revealed the kick to the ribs not only broke them but also lacerated the child’s spleen.

Police say the cab driver told nurses the conversation he heard in the back of the cab.

Something the police say was the right thing to do.

Springfield Police are now looking for Joseph, they say he’s fled the house he was living in.  They also say he may be in Forest Park and has been arrested before on drug charges.

If you see Dahu Joseph Junior, call 9-1-1 or you can send police an anonymous tip.

Just text it to CRIMES or 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type SOLVE and your tip.

SPRINGFIELD (WGGB) – Springfield Police say Kimberly Brooks is the roommate you hope to never end up with; stealing and pawning the personal belongings of whoever has the misfortune of living with her.

“Three times in the past year she has stolen from the people she has been living with.” Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney says.

The first of those incidents happened on Island Pond Rd. Police say while her other roommates were out, Brooks stole several of their belongings.

“She went and pawned them, packed up her stuff and moved out.” Sgt. Delaney says.

The second incident was on Grayson Drive. Brooks stole a blank check intended for her new roommate’s son and forged the name on it. She cashed the check at the bank for $500.

Most recently, at yet another residency on Norfolk Street, Brooks observed her roommate taking money from a locked box he kept under his bed. Police say Brooks waited for him to leave one day, packed up her things, stole the locked box and left.

“A couple of days later she brought it here.” Sgt. Delaney says pointing to the Serv-U on St. James Avenue. “She had the locksmith open it saying it was hers. She took everything inside, money.. credit cards.”

Police say a fingerprint scan matched that of Kimberly Brooks. She’s wanted on a slew of charges including breaking and entering and larceny. If you know where Kimberly Brooks is or have any information, call the Springfield Police Department. Or text an anonymous tip to C-R-I-M-E-S.

SPRINGFIELD (WGGB) – Springfield police are looking for a 30-year-old man they say thinks it’s okay to beat up pregnant women.

On September 19th, neighbors called the police on Roberto Vasquez who was arguing with his girlfriend in their apartment at Pynchon Terrace. The fight was escalating and the girlfriend was 7 months pregnant with her 5th child. Police say the woman’s condition was no deterrent to Vasquez’s rage.

” He punched her several times in the face, he got a knife and threatened to kill her.” Sergeant John Delaney says. “Then he knifed the side of her temple.”

Police say Vasquez also threatened to get a gun and shoot the victim or kick her in the stomach because he said he ‘didn’t want the baby.’ Scared, the girlfriend remained in the apartment until Vasquez began throwing things.

“She ran to the neighbors and they called the police again. When officers arrived he was gone.” Sgt. Delaney says.

Police say Vasquez has been arrested many times before, mostly on felony charges. One of which was assault and battery on another pregnant woman.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, text an anonymous tips to C-R-I-M-E-S or you can contact the Springfield Police Department at 413-787-6355.

SPRINGFIELD (WGGB) – Springfield Police are on the lookout for three suspects; all have committed similar crimes in the same neighborhood, Springfield’s South End.

“People that live here don’t want to see the neighborhood go down.” Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney says.

Police say one of the suspects is a well-known ‘john’ in the area, 41-year-old Miguel Sostre. Sostre was arrested after soliciting an undercover police officer posing as a prostitute for sex. Sostre skipped out on his court date. Police say his last known address is on Maple St.

The second suspect is 55-year-old Luz Rivera, a common street-walker police say.

“A street-walker is someone who walks around and offers up sex.” Sgt. Delaney says. “She has a record of prostitution in the past. The detectives one night swept her off the street right before they did an undercover sting.”

Rivera also defaulted on her court appearance. Police say she has known addresses all over Western Mass.

The final of the three suspects is 36-year-old Susan Makayya. Makayya isn’t just wanted on prostitution charges though.. Police say she faces 16 charges, most of which are felonies.

“We’ve been looking for her for quite sometime.” Sgt. Delaney says. “She’s escaping this prostitution charge but that really should be the least of her worries.”

Police say Makayya faces felony charges for writing bad checks and forging prescriptions. Detectives believe she is still in Springfield.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of either Sostre, Rivera or Makayya, send police an anonymous tip to C-R-I-M-E-S or contact the Springfield Police Department directly.

PRINGFIELD (WGGB) – Police say 21 year-old Devon Williams isn’t just a well-known gang member in Springfield, he’s also wanted for nearly stabbing a man to death on Eucilid Avenue.

“There was some kind of love triangle going on between he and the victim and a girl.” Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney says. “They have a history with each other.”

Police say according to witnesses, Williams arrived at a house on Eucilid Ave. September 15th to confront the victim. An argument ensued, moving away from the original house to one further down the street. Police say it was at 42 Eucilid Ave. that the fight turned extremely violent.

“He stabbed the 20 year-old victim three time.” Sgt. Delaney says. “Once in the arm, once in the upper chest and right across the abdomen.”

Williams fled the scene and neighbors called the police. Fortunately officers were nearby and had to preform CPR on the victim who was bleeding in a front yard. Rushed to the hospital, the victim underwent surgery. He later identified his attacked to police as Devon Williams.

Police say Williams has strong ties to the city and is probably still in the area.

If you know of his whereabouts, please text an anonymous tip to C-R-I-M-E-S or call the Springfield Police Department.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB)– A Springfield man flies into a rage, beating and stabbing the mother of his child. It started with an argument. Jose Loriano and his girlfriend were in a disagreement over their child.

The fighting started on Belmont Avenue, where the couple were passengers in a car. They ended up in a CVS parking lot, when Loriano pulled out a knife, stabbing his girlfriend in the chest and shoulder.

The victim was taken to the hospital. Loriano is now wanted on charges of domestic assault, and it’s not the first time.

Police say Loriano hasn’t been in contact with his girlfriend, but may still be hanging around his old neighborhood, near the ‘X’ in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD,  (WGGB) – Police need to public’s help catching serial shoplifter, James Frank Collins.

Police say aside of ripping off stores he also has a lengthy criminal history, including 57 adult arraignments.

“He’s been locked up for shoplifting, dealing drugs in a school zone, assaulting a police officer and assault by means of a dangerous weapon. He’s done it all.” Springfield Police Sargeant John Delaney says.

Police say in December of 2011, Collins stole 18 pairs of long underwear from the Walgreens at 707 State Street. When he left the store, clerks called the police who were able to recognize Collins in surveillance video.

“The office looked at him, and says that’s Frank Collins.” Sgt. Delaney says.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, but Collins has yet to be captured.

If you know the whereabouts of James Frank Collins call the Springfield Police Department. Or text a tip to CRIMES of 2-7-4-6-3-7.

They say back in June, he was leaving a bar in Springfield’s Entertainment District and had a confrontation with a 23-year old.

“Police officers observed him standing on top of the victim and kicking him repeatedly to the point he was knocked out,” explained Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

When cops went to arrest Hernandez he fought with them too.

“The officers had to use mace on the crowd to calm them down,” added Delaney.

Edgardo Hernandez was arrested but he didn’t show for his court date, so he’s now on Springfield’s wanted list.

Police say incidents like that are why the city is cutting off entertainment at some bars an hour earlier.

“We want to make sure people can come downtown and enjoy and we want to stop violence like this from happening.  So we need to get Edgardo Hernandez under arrest,” said Delaney.

So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.  Your tip could land him behind bars.

If you have any information about Edgardo Hernandez, you’re asked to call police or text them an anonymous tip at CRIMES (274637) and in the message type SOLVE and your tip.

When detectives went to arrest him last year on 6 felony warrants for assault and battery and threatening to murder, he didn’t go easily.

“He was able to get out the back door, ran a block but officers caught him. One of them had to go back in so 1 officer stayed at the police car to watch him,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

That’s when Jiles went crazy in the unmarked cruiser.

“He kicked out the windows of the police car.  Police had to tackle him and pepper spray him to subdue him. This guy  is dangerous,” added Delaney.

That incident added resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer to the list of charges against him.

He went before a judge but was a no show for his next court date.

“This is a guy who’s hell bent on not being arrested even in handcuffs he tries to get away,” said Delaney.

Police believe Michael Jiles is still in Western Mass.  So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.   Your tip could help put him behind bars.

If you have any information about Michael Jiles you’re asked to call police or text them an anonymous tip at  crimes or  2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type solve and your tip.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –   You may have seen Thomas Garner Jr. before.  We showed him to you last week in this surveillance video allegedly robbing the Racing Mart on St. James Place in Springfield.

“You can see someone robbing the Racing Mart, it’s great video.  He’s standing there, then brandishes a gun tells the clerk to give him the money and you can see people in the back running into coolers to get out of harms way,” explained Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

The robber took off with the money and the clerk called the cops.

“We got this video gave it to you guys, you aired it and the next day we were inundated with calls of who it is,” added Delaney.

That’s how they came up with Thomas Garner.  Police believe he is still in Western Mass.

“We know he is armed and dangerous and he could be thinking of doing this again.  So we need your viewers to find him again like they picked him out when we were looking for him,” said Delaney

So keep your eyes open for this wanted criminal your tip could land him behind bars.  If you have any information about Thomas Garner you’re asked to call police or text them an anonymous tip at  crimes or  2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type solve and your tip.

“For some strange reason people think if their car is in their driveway it has a force field around it, well Mr. Correa takes advantage of people who think that way and they don’t lock their doors in their driveway,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

Police say the warm weather seems to bring on these types of  crimes.  They say early one Spring morning Correa and a friend hit a parking lot on Mill Street.

“Two cars got smashed windows, the other was wide open.  They rifled through the cars took things like GPS’s and ripped out stereo’s,” explained Delaney.

A neighbor spotted them and called cops.   They were caught in the act and arrested, but Isreal Correa made bail and hasn’t been seen since, skipping his court date. 

So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal,  your tip could help land him behind bars.   If you have any information about Isreal Correa you’re asked to call police or text them an anonymous tip at crimes or 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type the word solve and then your tip.

“There was a verbal confrontation between them in regards to another woman.  Mr Jenkins choked this woman to unconscious.  When she came to he was kicking her and threatened that he wanted to kick the baby out of her,” explained Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

Jenkins got away before cops got there, they’ve been looking for him ever since.  Springfield police say acts like that aren’t unusual for Kevin Jenkins.  They say he has a history of violence.

“Since 2001 he’s had 5-restraining orders against him by 4 different women,” added Delaney.

Detectives believe Kevin Jenkins is still in the Springfield area and he’s been known to hang out at the bus station in the city.

He also has connections in several other communities in Western Mass.  So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.  Your tip could land him behind bars.

If you have any information about Kevin Jenkins you’re asked to call police or text them an anonymous tip at  crimes or  2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type solve and your tip.

Victoria Dones and Jorge Cruz

They say drugs lead to crime, even murder.

“We just had a murder last week the victim was a drug dealer.  We go after the drugs to stop the violence,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

So now they’re after Victoria Dones who was busted dealing crack cocaine in the city and Jorge Cruz who was dealing heroin.

“Mr. Cruz set up shop dealing heroin near a park and elderly complex.  When cops showed up he ran into the McDonalds on North Main street and

tried to get rid of the drugs in bathroom.  Cops chased him on foot and caught him with 10-bags of heroin,” explained Delaney.

Cops say getting these two off the streets will help their war on drugs.   So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with these wanted criminals.

Your tip could land them behind bars.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –  Cops say 24-year-old Lee Morris is a violent guy and he’s one of their most wanted.

They say back in June he assaulted his girlfriend who was 5-months pregnant.

“Got in an argument with her and instead of walking away he punched her in the face and damaged her car,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

And that’s not the only time he went after someone, soon after that incident Lee Morris got into a fight at a friends house on Maryland Street in Springfield.

“He was visiting a friend over there with little kids and because of the altercation the parents came out and he ended up punching the father in the face,” added Delaney.

He was arrested in both cases and is on probation but cops say he violated probation.  He has a long criminal record. So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.  Your tip could help put him behind bars.

If you have any information about him you can call police or send them text with an anonymous tip at crimes or 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type solve and your tip.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –

Take a good look at this guy, Springfield Police say Wilfredo Caceres is someone they really want locked up.

Cops have been looking for him since 2009 when they say he sexually assaulted his girlfriend’s young daughter and niece.

It happened at a home on Walnut street at a birthday party for one of the girls.

“The girls got tired and the mother brought them to their beds downstairs. While the party continued up stairs, Wilfredo Caceres took it upon himself to walk back down stairs and took advantage of them while they were sleeping, sexually assaulting them,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

The girls woke up while it was happening.  The mother found out about it and called police.

She also gave them this more up dated picture of Wilfredo Caceres.

When he got wind police were investigating Caceres went under ground, but detectives haven’t stopped looking for him.

“This is the kind of guy we have crime files for.  This is a guy we want arrested so he won’t do this to another victim,” added Delaney.

The girls and their mothers are still troubled by what happened, they want Caceres caught so they can move on.  So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.  Your tip could land him behind bars.  If you have any information about where Wilfredo Caceres is you can call police or send them an anonymous text message at “crimes” or 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type the work solve and then your tip.

22-year old Dewit Cannon is a wanted man.  Springfield Police say he ordered take out, but had more in mind than just pizza.

When the delivery person showed up to the address on Leyfred Terrace.

“Mr Cannon was waiting with a couple friends. When the delivery person got out with the food, Cannon sprayed him with mace and his friends jumped in and started beating him up. Then Cannon took the food, his wallet and all the money he had,” explained Springfield Police Sargent John Delaney.

But police say Dewit Cannon wasn’t done.

“Mr Cannon thought it would be a good idea to come here to the South End Pizza to buy beer and used the credit card from the driver, but they have a great surveillance here, good feed,” said Delaney.

Police who work the neighborhood recognized him right away and the delivery person also identified him.

He’s now on Springfield’s wanted list.  So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.

Your tip could land him behind bars.  If you have any information about them you can call police or send text them an anonymous tip at crimes or 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type solve and your tip.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — Springfield police say 22-year old Jose Morales is a known drug dealer.

“Drugs is what fuels crime in Springfield, so we take that seriously the fact that drug dealers take over street corners and sell drugs to people,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

That’s exactly what cops say Morales did and they caught him in the act back in June.

“He set up camp next to an elderly housing complex on Morgan Street next to a city park. Two of his friends were selling heroin and marijuana and detectives do a great job on surveillance. They were watching these guys do sales for a good part of the afternoon,” said Delaney.

Cops moved in and they were all arrested, but they say Jose Morales skipped bail and that put him on Springfield’s wanted list.

So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal. Your tip could help put him behind bars.

If you see Jose Morales you can send police an anonymous tip.  Just text it to CRIMES 2-7-4-6-3-7 and in the message type SOLVE and then your tip.

 Juan Martori is known to Springfield Police as a dangerous guy with gang ties. Cops say he was at The Alumni Club last August with a group of friends when he spotted a girl he liked.

“He had high hopes of going out with this girl.  He asked her out several times, she turned him down said she had a boyfriend. One night she happened to be at the club with her boyfriend and Martori was there and took offense that she was with another guy,” said Springfield Police Sargent John Delaney.

That’s when trouble started.

“He went over to the dance floor and knocked him from behind, kicking him in the face several times.  Then in the middle of the fight, which wasn’t much of a fight because the boyfriend was on the floor, his gang of friends came over and started beating on him also,” explained Delaney.

Security finally broke it up and Martori took off, but not before police say he stole 2 i-phones from the victim’s pocket.

The victim spent three days in the hospital with a broken jaw, fractured skull and cranial bleeding.

Police say Juan Martori is a violent guy who needs to be taken off the streets. So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted criminal.

Your tip could help land him behind bars.

UPDATE

Crime files and you help nab another wanted criminal.  Springfield police caught up with Ricky Barron Wednesday on Commonwealth Avenue.

Barron was wanted for shoplifting.   Join us every Tuesday for crime files.  You could help catch a criminal.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) –

Cops say Marylou Rodriguez, Ricky Barron, Shane Fitzgerald and Kerry Ann Whitney all have something in common….shoplifting.

And this is the time of year shoplifters seem to be busiest.

“Because it’s the holiday season stores are jam packed. Springfield police and mall security are looking and we see an uptick in shoplifting,” said Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

So cops are on the look out. They say it’s more serious of a crime than some may think.

“Many people think people are shoplifting for a gift for their loved ones that’s just not true. People who are shoplifting are taking it and trading it for drugs. 95% of all shoplifting is drug related,” explained Delaney.

And it’s a crime that effects everyone.

“Some people think it’s a minor crime, shoplifting but the reason why consumer goods go up is because of shoplifting. The stores need to get that money back some place and it’s by charging the consumer,” added Delaney.

Rodriguez, Barron, Fitzgerald and Whitney were all busted for ripping off stores in the past several months but never showed for their court dates so they’re on Springfield’s wanted list.   So keep your eyes open incase you cross paths with anyone of them, your tip could land them behind bars.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.  (WGGB) 12/14/11 UPDATE –

Police found Julio Ruiz.  He had been arrested on different charges and was in state prison.

He will now face charges in connection with the two break-ins cops say he’s responsible for.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB)–

Cops say Julio Ruiz is a real life “Grinch”.   They say he ripped off Christmas presents from 2 different homes in Springfield.

The first break in was last November on Moreland Street.

“During the house break he stole a blue ray DVD player, when he was at the house he left a cigarette. The homeowner came home and found that cigarette,” explained Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney.

Investigators sent the cigarette butt out for DNA testing and while they were waiting for the results, they say Ruiz struck again in the same neighborhood in January.

“The people in the apartment still had their Christmas tree up, under the tree was Wii games, a Wii player and a blue ray DVD that he stole, but he had scissors with him. When he was cutting a package he cut himself and left blood on the DVD stand,” added Sgt. Delaney.

That blood was also sent out for DNA testing.

“Takes a long time for DNA evidence to be processed it’s not like CSI when you have it in 20 minutes you know who did it, it doesn’t work that way in real life,” said Sgt. Delaney.

Now that the results of both tests are in cops know Julio Ruiz is their guy.  Ruiz has lived near Liberty Street, Maple Street and Belmont Ave. So keep your eyes open in case you cross paths with this wanted Criminal.

Your tip could help land him behind bars.