Ronald J. Kogut Obituary, Death – Authorities have released more details surrounding a tragic incident that took place on Dayton Street in Chicopee last month, where one person lost his life. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office confirmed the identity of the individual as 59-year-old Ronald J. Kogut, a resident of Chicopee.
According to officials, on September 23, just after 2:20 p.m., emergency dispatchers with WESTCOMM Regional received a report of a serious situation at a home located at 26 Dayton Street. When officers from the Chicopee Police Department arrived at the scene, they found a man lying in a driveway with a serious injury. First responders immediately provided aid and transported the man to Baystate Medical Center, but despite the medical team’s best efforts, he sadly passed away as a result of his injuries.
Investigators quickly began piecing together what had occurred and were able to identify a suspect and the vehicle believed to be involved. A regional alert was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
At approximately 4:12 p.m., just two hours after the initial report, authorities received word that the suspect’s vehicle had been spotted traveling along Interstate 391, taking Exit 4 toward Grattan Street. A Massachusetts State Police trooper began following the vehicle, relaying its location to nearby units. Due to traffic congestion in the area, the vehicle became trapped near Grattan Street and Meadow Street, allowing Chicopee police officers to close in. Officers quickly responded and successfully stopped the vehicle without further incident.
Two individuals were inside the vehicle at the time of the stop, and both were detained for questioning. One of the occupants, identified as 27-year-old Timothy Lynch of Chicopee, was later confirmed by investigators as the suspected individual connected to the fatal shooting. Lynch was subsequently charged and brought before the Chicopee District Court.
The charges filed against him include:
- One count of murder
- Unlawful possession of a firearm without a Firearm Identification (FID) card
- Unlawful possession of ammunition without a Firearm Identification (FID) card
- Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building
- Possession with intent to distribute a Class B controlled substance
Lynch is currently being held without bail, and his next scheduled court appearance is set for November 10 for a pre-trial conference.
Officials say that the incident remains under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Chicopee Police Detective Bureau and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and review witness statements to ensure all circumstances surrounding the event are fully understood.
Chicopee Police Chief and District Attorney’s representatives both described the event as a deeply tragic situation that has impacted families and the community. They commended the rapid coordination between local police and state troopers, which led to a quick apprehension of the suspect just hours after the incident occurred.
Neighbors in the area told reporters that the afternoon was unusually quiet until they saw emergency vehicles rushing to the scene. Many expressed shock at what had happened in their normally peaceful neighborhood, noting that such incidents are rare in the area.
Officials have not released further information about what may have led to the confrontation, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. They also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, as the individual believed to be responsible is in custody.
The District Attorney’s Office said more updates will be provided as the case moves through court proceedings. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family and ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.
This case continues to highlight the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in responding swiftly to emergencies and maintaining public safety across Hampden County.
