“New Bedford, MA – A local man has been placed under arrest following a shooting in the north-end sector.

On Monday, April 1, at around 9:30 p.m., patrol units were called to the Earle Street/Ashley Boulevard intersection regarding a hit-and-run accident involving a man with a gun. It was then reported that shots had been fired.

Sgt. Andy Simmons was conducting surveillance in the area at the time and observed one of the vehicles leaving before hearing shots ring out. He kept watch over the vehicle as it sped north on Acushnet Avenue. Fortunately, Sgt. Jonathan Lagoa, along with detectives Matthew Sylvia and Emily Pacheco, stopped the vehicle at Acushnet Avenue and Shaw Street.

City of New Bedford Police Department

The operator was removed from the car and identified as JOSE RIVERA SANCHEZ, 32, of 329 Highland Street. A search of the vehicle revealed him to be in possession of a loaded Polymer 80 firearm with a 10-round magazine, for which SANCHEZ had no license. The bullets in the magazine matched the brand of the shell casings located at the scene of the accident and subsequent shooting.

SANCHEZ was taken into custody and charged with a variety of offenses, including carrying a loaded, high-capacity firearm and ammunition without a license and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building. He is currently being held pending a dangerous hearing scheduled for later in the week.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by leaving a tip on our website or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“***SOSPECHOSO ARRESTADO TRAS TIROTEO EN NORTH-END***

Un hombre de la zona ha sido detenido tras un tiroteo en el sector norte.

El 1 de abril, alrededor de las 9:30 p. m., se llamó a unidades de patrulla a Earle St./Ashley Blvd. intersección en relación con un accidente de atropello y fuga que involucró a un hombre con un arma. Luego se informó que se habían producido disparos.
Sargento. Andy Simmons estaba vigilando el área en ese momento y observó que uno de los vehículos se alejaba antes de escuchar disparos. Mantuvo vigilado el vehículo mientras aceleraba hacia el norte por Acushnet Ave. Afortunadamente, el sargento. Jonathan Lagoa, junto con los detectives Matthew Sylvia y Emily Pacheco, detuvieron el vehículo en Acushnet Ave. y Shaw St.

El operador fue retirado del automóvil e identificado como JOSÉ RIVERA SÁNCHEZ, 32, de 329 Highland St. Una búsqueda del vehículo reveló que estaba en posesión de un arma de fuego Polymer 80 cargada con un cargador de 10 balas, para la cual SÁNCHEZ no tenía licencia. Las balas del cargador coincidían con la marca de los casquillos localizados en el lugar del accidente y posterior tiroteo.

SÁNCHEZ fue detenido y acusado de diversos delitos, incluido portar un arma de fuego cargada de alta capacidad y municiones sin licencia y disparar un arma de fuego a menos de 500 pies de un edificio. Actualmente se encuentra detenido en espera de una audiencia peligrosa programada para más adelante esta semana.

Si tiene alguna información que le gustaría compartir con la policía, puede hacerlo de forma anónima enviando un aviso en nuestro sitio web o llamando al 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

Street Sweeping Begins Thursday Night:

The City DPI team would like to remind residents about the annual street sweeping program, which kicks off on Thursday night.

The Department of Public Infrastructure will conduct a major street sweeping program in the city, including a parking ban on designated sides of the street beginning Thursday nights, as listed below. The program will run from April 1 through November 1.

The first sweep of this spring season will be April 4th into April 5th on the streets labeled “First and third Thursday of the month.”

The street sweeping will operate on a bi-weekly schedule. Street sweeping will occur from 11:50 p.m. on Thursdays to 6:00 a.m. on Fridays.

FIRST and THIRD Thursday of the month:

• Dartmouth Street from Matthew Street to Allen Street
• Kempton Street from Rockdale Avenue to Sixth Street
• Mill Street from County Street to Rockdale Avenue
• North St. from County St. to Rockdale Ave.
• Rivet Street from Route 18 to Hemlock Street
• Cove Road from Brock Ave. to the town line
• Cove St. from East Rodney French Blvd. to County St.
• Route 18 from Cove Road to Cove St.

SECOND and FOURTH Thursday of the month:

• County Street from Rivet Street to Cove Street
• Ashley Boulevard from Nash Road to Coggeshall Street
• Acushnet Avenue from Nash Road to Coggeshall Street
• North Front Street from Nash Road to Coggeshall Street

Failure to follow the posted street sweeping signs will result in vehicles being towed. During this timeframe, parking will be prohibited within the posted areas to allow sweepers full access to the curb line. These focused areas of sweeping are in addition to the regular, weekly scheduled street sweeping on the city’s main thoroughfares.

Anyone with questions may contact David Nieves at DPI at 508-979-1550 ext. 67332 with questions or for more information.”-City of New Bedford.

On Monday evening at approximately 9:49 pm, authorities apprehended a male individual after he was involved in a car crash on Ashley Boulevard near the intersection of Tinkham Street in New Bedford.

The dispatcher who took the call reported hearing multiple gunshots while still on the phone with an eyewitness before the vehicle drove off abruptly, causing another crime scene and marking this as the fourth shooting within a six-day time span.

Carlos Pimental Felix photo.

Carlos Pimental Felix photo.

Carlos Pimental Felix photo.

If Faceboook blocks the video, you can see it here

“It’s amazing what a little cleaning will do.

Our new ownership and management team are hard at work to improve the cleanliness and feel of our Dartmouth store. Freshly painted, power washed, subway title and additional TLC goes a long way.

We are open daily as we paint and clean. 🥯”-New York Bagel Co.

New York Bagel Co. photo.

New York Bagel Co. photo.

New York Bagel Co. photo.

New York Bagel Co. photo.

New York Bagel Co. photo.

“Massachusetts State Troopers, along with Worcester and Brockton Police, this morning apprehended KAHMARI T. PRICE, 17, who was wanted for a 2023 shooting homicide in Brockton. The Massachusetts State Police added PRICE to our Most Wanted list last October.

Members of the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), with assistance from the MSP Critical Technical Investigations Team, tracked PRICE to an address on West Boylston Street in Worcester. He was taken into custody without incident at 9:41 AM.

PRICE is charged with the Feb. 26, 2023, fatal shooting of 33-year-old Mark A. Boyd on North Main Street. The investigation into the shooting by the State Police Detective Unit for Plymouth County and the Brockton Police Department Detective Bureau ultimately identified PRICE as the shooter, and Troopers obtained an arrest warrant in Brockton District Court. PRICE was actively attempting to avoid capture since the homicide. MSP VFAS added him to the Department’s list of Most Wanted fugitives on Oct. 11, 2023.

PRICE is expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court this afternoon. The case is being prosecuted by the office of Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz.”-Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

In 2023, violent crime continued to decline in New Bedford and is now down 58% over the past decade, with property crime down 55% in the same period.

When we report a crime, assault, shooting, etc. it isn’t uncommon to see people comment saying, ‘Riiiiight. Crime is down.’ Why it isn’t obvious to people that ‘Crime is down.’ isn’t the same thing as saying ‘There’s no crime.” is puzzling.

_________________________________________________________

New Bedford, MA — In 2023, violent crime continued to decline in New Bedford and is now down 58% over the past decade, with property crime down 55% in the same period.

The drops over the last 10 years are reported in the New Bedford Police Department’s (NBPD) 2023 Crime Report, a data-driven annual analysis of crime in the city that follows the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.

Among the report’s findings:

• Violent Crime decreased 58% from 2014-2023 due to drastic drops in rape (-34%), robbery (-61%) and aggravated assault (-62%).
• Property crime decreased 55% over that time frame due to sharp drops in arson (-68%), burglary (-71%), and larceny (-57%).

“With the release of this report, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency and our dedication to the citizens of New Bedford,” Chief Paul Oliveira said. “I am encouraged by the city’s downward trajectory of crime rates. These statistics are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our officers and the support of our community partners.”

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

The 2023 Crime Report reflects the collaborative endeavors of law enforcement agencies, local organizations, and engaged citizens in fostering a safer environment. The report tracks a notable decline in various crime categories, as the NBPD has continued to address the root causes of crime and build trust within the community through proactive engagement programs, innovative policing strategies, and effective law enforcement partnerships. The report underscores the importance of community involvement in crime prevention efforts, emphasizing the role of residents, businesses, and stakeholders in promoting a safer and more resilient New Bedford.

The report also validates the department’s efforts to react quickly and forcefully when criminal activity ticks upward in particular categories. For example, the “shots-fired” category rose in 2023 due to a gang-related spike late in the year. A proactive response to these incidents led to several arrests for firearms-related offenses, with shots-fired data returning to baseline levels.

Another example was motor vehicle theft, which rose in the second half of 2023 due to a nationwide viral social media “challenge” involving Hyundai and Kia vehicles.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

You can download the entire report here.

“A 35-year-old New Bedford man was convicted last week after a weeklong Superior Court trial of raping and molesting a close underage female relative and the friend of another underage female relative, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Joel Berberena was convicted by a jury of his peers in Fall River Superior Court on indictments charging him with two counts of rape of a child-aggravated by age difference, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, and one count each of rape of a child by force and indecent assault and battery on a person over the age of 14.

The trial was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Casey Smith and Silvia Rudman.

The defendant was sentenced by Judge Renee Dupuis to serve 23 to 30 years in state prison, to be followed by seven years of supervised probation.

The allegations came forward to New Bedford Police on November 30, 2020 after a 12-year-old girl who was staying over the house of the defendant’s close relative told her mother that the defendant had digitally raped and sexually molested her at least three times during her stay at the house. Forensic interviews were set up at the Bristol County Children’s Advocacy Center, at which time it also came to light that the defendant was repeatedly digitally raping and sexually molesting another close female relative when the girl was between the ages of 12 and 15.

Both victims testified during the trial.

“The defendant engaged in depraved conduct by raping a close relative and another relative’s friend. He took advantage of his access to both victims to rape these two young girls. I commend the victims for their fortitude and perseverance for testifying in this case under very difficult circumstances. The lengthy state prison sentence imposed by the court was warranted,” District Attorney Quinn said.”-Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III.

Possible snow in April? No, it’s not an April Fool’s Day joke!

A massive storm is making it’s way across the country from west to east over the next few days. The storm is expected to bring a complete mess to the South Coast region. It’s a slow moving storm which means the nasty weather will persist over a few days.

We’ll begin to feel the edge of the storm at some point on Tuesday afternoon and it will last through Friday morning. The initial impact will conists of rain, but will strengthen as it draws colder air from the north (Geez. Thanks Canada!) Wednesday into Thursday. Rain of approximately 1″-2″ and the storm will switch back and forth from rain to sleet to snow whenever it feels like it.

Accuweather photo.

That frigid blast will bring with it significant winds of up to 50-60 mph and turn the rain into snowflakes by early Thursday morning while we sleep. It also means a dramatic drop in temperature creating a below historical average between 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. The “feels like” temperatures could drop into single digit negatives. Brrr.

We all know that weather in New England couldn’t care less about forecasts and loves to make liars out of anyone who makes predictions or forecasts. What we can surely expect is nightmare of a commute with hazardous travel conditions all over the South Coast.

Thankfully, low tides will prevent any significant flooding, but beaches will suffer from erosion.

Accuweather photo.

“Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School and Cuttyhunk STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Academy proudly announced the launch of a groundbreaking collaborative initiative focused on wind energy education on the island of Cuttyhunk. This pioneering program aimed to engage students in hands-on learning experiences to explore renewable energy sources and their potential impact on the local environment.

On Friday, March 22, 2024, delayed one day ironically due to gale force winds, 37 Engineering and 6 Media Technology students from GNB Voc-Tech embarked on a comprehensive educational journey throughout various locations on Cuttyhunk, delving into the intricate world of wind energy. The day commenced with an introduction to the diverse forms and sources of energy in Massachusetts, shedding light on the state’s capacity and usage of electrical energy.

One of the highlights of the day was an opportunity for students to utilize binoculars to observe an offshore wind farm, gaining valuable insights into the practical application of wind energy technology. Following this, students participated in a mini-lesson on cardinal directions and wind direction, essential knowledge for understanding the dynamics of wind energy.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School photo.

The exploration continued as students investigated multiple potential wind turbine sites across different island locations, including public and private properties: Lookout Point, BBC Trail, Berry, Wigwam Hill, DiMare, BBC Bayberry Hill Trail, Hart, Bunker Hill, Solar Farm Area, and Spaulding properties. At each site, students analyzed various factors such as longitude and latitude, elevation, wind speed and direction, as well as potential natural or physical obstacles above and below ground.

Moreover, students engaged in the study of local flora and fauna to assess potential impacts on ecosystems and evaluate the topography and geology of the landscape. These hands-on activities culminated in a data-sharing session where students compared site data and shared their findings. Furthermore, students delved deeper into the mechanics of wind energy, exploring prevailing winds, and directionality.

Returning to the GNB Voc-Tech instructional lab, students will explore the physics and engineering side of wind turbines with the construction of tabletop wind turbines, and will also install a backyard wind turbine on the school’s rooftop to extend the real-world application study. Analyzing the site location data students collected on Cuttyhunk will lead to further field studies during an overnight program back on Cuttyhunk Island later this spring.

The partnership between GNB Voc-Tech and Cuttyhunk STEAM Academy marked a substantial stride in instilling sustainability and environmental consciousness in young minds. Media Technology students captured the event through photography and videography, showcasing the collaboration between engineering students and Cuttyhunk STEAM. By cultivating knowledge of renewable energy technologies, students were equipped to emerge as tomorrow’s champions in combating climate change.

Funds for this project were made available through a grant from the SouthCoast Wind Fund via the SouthCoast Community Foundation.”-Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School photo.

“The varied duties of a Massachusetts State Trooper, in service to all residents of the Commonwealth, even the avian ones…

At 6:38 on Easter Sunday morning, Trooper Peter Spinale of State Police-Newbury happened upon this injured owl on Route 1 north in Danvers. Trooper Spinale stood by the bird and set up flares to protect it until Massachusetts Environmental Police could respond and transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Strong work, Trooper Spinale, and thank you to our partners with the Environmental Police for their assistance.”-Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.