New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“New Bedford, MA — After arresting a man with an illegal firearm, detectives now have enough to charge him with this month’s Roosevelt Street shooting.
On July 10th, narcotics detectives were conducting surveillance in the area of Nye Street and Acushnet Avenue when they observed a group of males congregating and drinking alcohol in public. When detectives approached them, it was learned that one male had discarded a cross-body bag he had been wearing.
Within this bag was a magazine containing ten rounds of 9mm ammunition. A short distance away, detectives located a loaded Smith & Wesson handgun, which was later found to have been stolen out of Taunton. The suspect, JOSE MENDEZ-GARCIA, 33, of 129 Bluefield St., was placed into custody. He was charged with possession of an open container of alcohol, carrying a loaded large-capacity firearm without a license, and receiving stolen property. The arresting officer was Det. George Coto.
In the days that followed, Detective Jordan Dasilva concluded his investigation into a shooting that took place on July 5th outside of 12 Roosevelt St. During this incident, an adult male victim was transported to St. Luke’s hospital after being injured by gunfire. Det. Dasilva has identified MENDEZ-GARCIA as the suspect and has brought charges against him for that incident.
In addition to the charges stemming from the firearm seizure in the north end, MENDEZ-GARCIA is now also charged with assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, and additional serious charges.
MENDEZ has three prior guilty convictions for violent/drug offenses and was additionally charged with a firearm violation with three prior violent/drug crimes.
“This is strong work from the Detective Division on two occasions with the same suspect. First, they took the suspect into custody, and an illegal firearm was taken off the street. Next, they built a case that implicated the suspect in a shooting incident during which a victim was seriously injured. It’s clear to me that a dangerous individual is in custody right now due to their diligence, and the city is a safer place today because of it. I’m very proud of all the men and women in this department,” said Chief Paul Oliveira.
If you have any information you would like to share with the NBPD, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website and submitting a tip or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.
