“Detectives have placed a man under arrest for trafficking in cocaine following an investigation into his activities.

On April 1st, at around 11 PM, Detective Nathaniel Almeida concluded his investigation into a cocaine distribution service being operated out of 89 Barrett St. The target of the investigation was ANDRES GALVAN SANTANA, 50.

During surveillance, SANTANA was observed in a suspected drug transaction outside of the residence. When stopped by detectives, he was found to be in possession of 2 plastic baggies containing a total of approximately 261 grams of cocaine. A search warrant was executed at the residence which yielded an additional 16 grams along with digital scales and packaging materials.

SANTANA was placed under arrest and charged with trafficking in excess of 200 grams of cocaine.

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

In September of 2022 Governor DeSantis flew migrants to wealthy areas across the country, most notably Martha’s Vineyard in an attempt to make liberal locations feel the impacts of lax immigration policies.

Now, in April of 2024, a federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that migrants who were flown to Martha’s Vineyard by order of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, can proceed with a lawsuit against the charter flight company that flew them to the island.

However, the judge did also dismiss claims against Governor DeSantis and other political figures named in the suit.

The Massachusetts judge allowing migrants to proceed with this lawsuit has sparked controversy, as many feel that President Biden is currently doing this on a larger scale, specifically targeting Governor Desantis State of Florida.

New data published from the Center for Immigration Studies has revealed over 320,000 migrants have been flown into Miami, Florida by order of President Biden.

Following the release of this information and the Massachusetts judge allowing this lawsuit to proceed, Elon Musk weighed in on the controversy.

Musk noted,

“Whatever lawsuit was filed against the flight company and others who took migrants to Martha’s Vineyard should be filed 100X against the airlines that did this.

Live by the sword, …”

Whatever lawsuit was filed against the flight company and others who took migrants to Martha’s Vineyard should be filed 100X against the airlines that did this.

Live by the sword, …

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 3, 2024

By Sam Drysdale
State House News Service

Lawmakers started negotiations Monday on a bill that’s expected to eventually inject hundreds of millions more dollars into the state’s family shelter system and put time limits on how long homeless families can stay in the system.

Ways and Means Chairs Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues will lead the negotiations, as they also both work on their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

Michlewitz, Rodrigues and conferees Reps. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Todd Smola and Sens. Cynthia Friedman and Patrick O’Connor held their negotiations open to the public for about two minutes Monday, before voting to go into executive session and closing the discussions to outsiders.

In opening statements both chairs emphasized the urgency of the negotiations.

“I look forward to working with all of you to get this rectified as quickly as possible. You and I are experienced at it,” Rodrigues said to Michlewitz. “So I’m sure we will accomplish that goal quickly.”

The House version of the fiscal 2024 spending bill (H 4466 / S 2711) directs $245 million towards the shelter system, while the Senate bill would authorize the Healey administration to pull from an $863 million state savings account called the transitional escrow fund across both fiscal 2024 and 2025.

State officials estimate that funds already appropriated for the shelter system will run out sometime this spring.

The Senate bill also calls for making permanent pandemic-era provisions allowing expanded outdoor dining and a graduate student nursing program, but in a contrast from the House, it would not allow restaurants to continue selling alcoholic beverages to go — a pandemic-era policy that expired at the end of March since lawmakers failed to renew it before then.

“I’m looking forward to working with you, and all of you, on this supplemental budget bill trying to get it done as quickly as possible. We have some obviously important pieces in there that are of immediate need. And I know we share a desire to see this get to the governor’s desk as soon as we can,” Michlewitz said.

Much of the debate will revolve around the use of reserve funds, which have grown since an influx of federal dollars during the pandemic and state budget surpluses allowed lawmakers to tuck away historic amounts.

Both House and Senate bills also look to cap how long a family can stay in shelter — a departure from the state’s 40-year-old policy that qualifying homeless families can stay in state-run housing for as long as it takes to get on their feet.

Representatives and senators are looking to restrict stays to nine months. The Senate would allow officials to award one or more 90-day extensions to shelter residents who meet criteria, such as single parents of children with disabilities or those who need an extension to avoid losing a job. The House would offer three-month extensions to those who are employed or enrolled in a job training program, pregnant women, people with certain disabilities, veterans and those facing domestic violence risks.

New Bedford has seen a 91% increase in reported “Shots fired” in the city within the past 5 years, according to the 2023 Annual Crime Report by the New Bedford Police Department.

With 35 incidents of shots fired reported in 2019 we have since seen a steady increase year over year until a sharp jump in 2023.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

With 67 incidents in 2023, New Bedford averaged more than 1 incident of “shots Fired” per week. Of these 67 shots fired incidents, 3 were fatal, 21 resulted in the injury of a total of 24 victims, and 42 resulted in property damage.

In 16 cases there was no property damage, injuries or fatalities, but other evidence such as shell casings or CCTV footage confirmed the incident.

There has also been a slight increase in murders within the city of New Bedford in the past 5 years with 3 homicides in 2019 and 4 in each of the following years. Of the 4 homicides in 2023, a firearm was used in 3 incidents, while a knife was used in 1 incident.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

It is important to mention that, although there has been an increase in shootings within the past 5 years, the annual crime report does show a sharp decline in crime in almost every category when comparing the statistics recorded in 2014 to the statistics reported in 2023.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

“HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT:

* WHAT…East winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.

* WHERE…In Massachusetts, Dukes MA, Nantucket MA, Southern Bristol MA, and Southern Plymouth MA Counties. In Rhode Island, Block Island RI, and Newport RI and Washington RI Counties.

* WHEN…From Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night.

* IMPACTS…Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.”-Westport Fire Department.

Westport Fire Department photo.

Westport Fire Department photo.

Westport Fire Department photo.

“A 33-year-old Allston woman who shot an Attleboro gas station clerk during a botched robbery was sentenced late last week in Fall River Superior Court to serve five to seven years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Ashley Weaver pleaded guilty to indictments charging her with carrying an illegal firearm, armed assault with intent to rob and assault and battery.

On May 20, 2019 at approximately 2:30 A.M., officers from the Attleboro Police Department responded to the Mobil gas station on Newport Avenue for the report of a gunshot. When officers arrived, the clerk came out of the store and told the police that he had been shot by someone trying to rob him. The victim lifted his shirt and showed officers that he had a gunshot wound to his stomach. He told the officers that he was outside of the gas station taking out the trash when what he thought was a young, black male approached him brandishing a gun and demanding money. The suspect was wearing a gorilla or chimpanzee mask and appeared to have cornrows in his hair.

The victim did not believe that that the firearm was real and he chased after the suspect and got him in a headlock. The victim then heard a loud bang and felt a pain in his stomach and realized he had been shot. The suspect ran off and the victim went to hit the panic alarm in the store. Nothing was taken by the suspect during the incident. The victim was taken to Rhode Island Hospital where he had surgery and spent several days in recovery.

Several days after the shooting, a tipster called the Attleboro Police and told them that the suspect was actually a female named Ashley Weaver. Police presented the victim with a photo array of several individuals, one of whom was Ashley Weaver. The victim immediately identified her as the person who shot him.

The defendant was eventually arrested in Rhode Island, where she violently resisted while in possession of a firearm.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan and the prison sentence was imposed by Judge William White.

“This was a very violent assault in which the defendant shot the clerk during a struggle. The defendant has a history of violence and was a suspect in other similar robbery attempts in Massachusetts. I am very happy the clerk recovered but this is another example of why you do not take matters into your own hands,” District Attorney Quinn said.”-District Attorney Quinn.

“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.