I know I’ve asked this question before, but it bears repeating, why is crime so rampant lately in Western Massachusetts? Has it always been this bad and maybe I just have selective memory?

And it always seems to be drug or gun related. However, lately it always seems to involve both. This recent incident in Springfield certainly involves both drugs (specifically, heroin) and a weapon (specifically, a gun and ammunition).

According to the Springfield Police Department, an incident that occurred last Friday morning involved law enforcement seizing a firearm (with at least one casing), approximately 30 bags of heroin and more than 1 $500 in cash. And it all happened because of a car accident that caused property damage.

Springfield police responded to the scene of a car accident where it appeared the vehicle had crashed into a fire hydrant and a road sign in the area where King Street meets Northampton Street.

The driver of the vehicle, Jose Rivera, was found to have a suspended license. Cops searched the vehicle and found a gun located in the front of the car. The search also recovered a single casing, 30 bags of H and $1,500.

At the time of the single-car accident, Rivera was out on bail for other drug charges. Well, I’m sure he’ll learn his lesson this time. Rivera, 32, of Springfield, is charged with a litany of crimes.

For more on the story, please visit the Springfield Police Department website here.