November 30, 2021 -Springfield- A recent investigation conducted by Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s SAFE Unit, East Longmeadow Police Department, and the Holyoke Police Department has led to the arrest of two suspects who are believed to be behind a string of “purse snatchings” in East Longmeadow, West Springfield, Holyoke, and Springfield.  

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, stated, “ I would like to thank the investigators who swiftly investigated these incidents and identified these suspects. In particular, Detective Michael Ingalls of the East Longmeadow Police Department, who has also been assigned to my office’s SAFE Unit, and Detective Jay Parnell of the Holyoke Police Department, for their skill and thoroughness in this investigation. Law enforcement will respond forcefully to anyone who targets vulnerable people.”

Arrested in connection with the robberies are Angel Gonzalez, 34, of Springfield, and Derek Michalczyk, 34, of Springfield.

Gonzalez was arrested at approximately 2:50 p.m. yesterday after members of the Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit under the direction of Captain Brian Keenan located the identified the suspect.  He was taken into custody by members of the Springfield Police Firearms Investigation Unit, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section locating on the 700 block of Worthington Street.

The investigation has so far found the pair maybe responsible for incidents in multiple jurisdictions in at least: East Longmeadow, West Springfield, Holyoke, and Springfield.

Angel Gonzalez is charged with: unarmed robbery and larceny from a person, by the East Longmeadow Police Department, and assault and battery on an elder/disabled person, larceny from a person 65+, larceny under $250 from a elderly/disabled person, unarmed robbery of an elderly person, assault and battery on an elderly/disabled person with serious injury, by the Holyoke Police Department.

Derek Michalczyk is charged with: unarmed robbery and larceny from a person, by the East Longmeadow Police Department, and assault and battery on an elder/disabled person, larceny from a person 65+, larceny under $250 from an elderly/disabled person, unarmed robbery of an elderly person, assault and battery on an elderly/disabled person with serious injury, by the Holyoke Police Department.

Both Angel Gonzalez and Derek Michalczyk are expected to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.   

The string of robberies is still under investigation by multiple jurisdictions and further charges for both Gonzalez and Michalczyk may follow.