December 3, 2018 -Springfield- On Friday, November 30, 2018 at approximately 6:30 p.m. officers from the Springfield Police Department responded to the vicinity of 17 Knox Street after being flagged down by people in the vicinity of the Knox Street Market.

Upon exiting their marked cruiser, officers were approached by a male who had an apparent wound to his neck. This individual informed officers three males had just entered his store in an attempt to commit an armed robbery. During the confrontation gun shots were fired and he was struck by a bullet.

Shortly after the incident officers arrested a suspect matching the description of one of the suspects who had entered the store. Currently in custody; Duryl Hale, 22, of Springfield, he is currently charged with: armed assault with intent to commit robbery with a firearm,  assault & battery by discharging a firearm, attempt to commit an assault and battery by discharging a firearm,  possession of a loaded firearm,  felon in possession of a firearm.

Tragically, during the course of the shoot out another person in the store was injured and has passed away as a result. She has been identified as Mrs. Virginia Rodriguez-Veras, 34, of Springfield. She is believed to be the market owner’s wife.

This is an open and active homicide investigation being conducted by the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office’s Murder Unit.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni and Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri offer their sympathies to Mrs. Veras’ family during this difficult time.