Woman accused of firing officer’s gun worked for Southwick police

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A woman accused of firing a West Springfield police officer’s gun at an officer last week briefly worked for the Southwick Police Department.
Kristin Rechenberger, 28, has also been tied to multiple criminal cases in Westfield.
Southwick police confirmed Tuesday that Rechenberger worked as a part-time reservist and completed a reserve academy. Police say she left the department sometime before 2022.
Rechenberger was arraigned on several charges Friday, including assault with intent to murder after police say they found her sleeping in a construction detail and asked her to move.
The interaction escalated into a nearly 90-minute standoff, according to investigators. Police say when officers tried to take her into custody, she became combative, gained control of an officer’s gun and fired it, nearly striking two officers.
Court records show Rechenberger has faced other cases in Westfield District Court, including allegations of assault and battery and violating a restraining order.
A mental health evaluation found that she was not competent to stand trial in the restraining order violation case.
Records also show that following this latest case in Springfield, a judge has revoked Rechenberger’s bail.
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