Two men arrested after shots fired at police from vehicle they were chasing into New Bedford

New Bedford Police Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro is commending officers for their exceptional work during two separate and unrelated events involving police in the city last night.

“Last night’s police activity in both the north and central parts of the city shone a bright light on the impressive and diverse caliber of every member of the NBPD,” said Cordeiro. While officers in the north end responded to shots fired, officers in the center of New Bedford continued to work in partnership with peaceful protestors, as they have done for the past five days.

Officers were pursuing a car coming from Brockton near 21 Hathaway St. when shots were reportedly fired by those in the vehicle. There was no one injured and no property damage.

As a result, the police arrested two males. The K-9 Unit was used to track another male, who escaped.

Purvis M. Cole, 26, 62 Waldeck St. in Dorchester was charged with discharging a firearm within 500 ft. of a building, assault with a dangerous weapon and a multitude of motor vehicle and drug charges. Ryan Harris, 27, 5 Agawam St. Apt. 1R in Taunton was charged with possession.

Meanwhile, protestors downtown continued to demonstrate without incident. “We continue to work closely with protestors and listen to their concerns,” said Cordeiro, who along with Command Officers has been regularly communicating with protestors. To date the department has offered protestors several opportunities to create an ongoing path forward including two spots on the NBPD Leadership Advisory Committee, an ongoing community roundtable and multiple offers to meet individually with members of the department.

“I commend each officer out there for their professionalism, understanding, restraint and overall commitment to serve the public during this historic time,” said the Chief. “Their impeccable judgement and unwavering commitment to public safety is to be applauded by every resident of the city.”

If you have any information on criminal activity in your community, 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.