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A 34-year-old repeat illegal firearm user who was once again carrying an illegal gun during a fight outside a bar in New Bedford was sentenced to serve five to seven years in state prison yesterday in Fall River Superior Court, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.
Christopher Fernandes, of New Bedford, pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with carrying an illegal firearm-subsequent offense and unlawful possession of ammunition.
On August 20, 2016 at approximately 12:45am New Bedford Police responded to a large fight outside of Tony’s Bar on County Street. At least two different groups of males were involved in the altercation. The defendant, who was part of one of the two groups was noted to be extremely agitated and was making threats to shoot. When the defendant turned away from officers to hurry away from the scene, an officer saw the outline of a gun in his rear waistband. The defendant then began running from the area and struggled with police officers who were attempting to subdue him. At that time a .45 caliber handgun fell from his waist. The gun was loaded with six rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
This defendant had been previously convicted of an assault with a firearm and has recently been released from prison after serving a three year sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeanne Veenstra and the state prison sentence was handed down by Judge Renee Dupuis.
“This defendant has already served jail time for possession of an illegal firearm. Nothing but trouble will come from the defendant roaming the streets with a loaded gun. He continues to be a danger to the community and the public must be protected from him,” District Attorney Quinn said.
