New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“NBPD officers responded to two separate calls for service on Saturday that led to two illegal firearm seizures and two felony arrests.
At approximately 7 PM, dispatch received a call regarding a male in the “Funz” trampoline park who was in possession of a firearm. Officers made their way to this location and were able to locate a male suspect matching the description provided.
Upon seeing police, the suspect attempted to hand a bag to another individual who refused to accept it. He then tossed this bag into a nearby garbage bin as he was stopped by officers Marc Felix, Henry Turgeon, and off-duty officer James Marinelli. The suspect resisted their efforts to place him into cuffs but was eventually secured and taken into custody.
Within the bag he had discarded, was a 9mm handgun loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.
While in booking, the suspect refused to identify himself. He was eventually identified as Mr. CHANTRA SAY, 32, of Fall River. Mr. SAY is currently on probation out of Bristol Superior court for assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm. These convictions stem from his involvement in a Fall River shooting that took place during the summer of 2010. As a result of tonight’s incident, SAY is now being charged with carrying a high-capacity firearm, possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest.
Later in the evening at approximately 11 PM, south-end units were dispatched to the area of Cove St. and Rodney French Blvd. regarding shots having been fired. Patrol officer Michael Doyle responded to the scene and located a male nearby who matched a description provided by a witness. As Ofc. Doyle approached the suspect; he fled on foot into a nearby S. Second St. residence, where he then made his way to a second-floor porch. The suspect was successfully stopped, and it was discovered that he had concealed a loaded Glock 22 handgun in a bag of potting soil.
Continuing the investigation, officers then located the exact area where shots had been fired and discovered two spent shell casings on the street. The suspect was identified as Mr. WILBER ALVARADO, 22, of 60 S. Second St. ALVARADO was taken into custody and found to be in possession of two baggies of “crack” cocaine. He was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of a high-capacity firearm and ammunition without a license, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a class “B” substance.
“These are excellent examples of how effective the partnership between the police and the community can be. We give credit to the individuals who stepped up to provide the critical information necessary. It allowed us to take two firearms out of the hands of two individuals who have no business carrying them. These are also outstanding examples of our officers arriving on scene promptly, approaching dangerous subjects without hesitation, and placing themselves at great risk in the interest of public safety. I’m very proud of all the men and women of the NBPD.”-Chief Paul Oliveira.
We remind you once more if you have any information on criminal activity in your neighborhood, the New Bedford Police Dept. wants to hear from you. You can leave an anonymous tip on our voicemail at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 1. You can also leave a tip at our website, www.newbedfordpd.com”-New Bedford Police Department.
