New Bedford Gang Unit Arrests Three Known Gang Members

NEW BEDFORD — Members of the New Bedford Police Department gang unit took three known gang members off the street Tuesday, after arresting them on outstanding warrants as part of an effort in conjunction with a task force member from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to take criminals off the streets.

Two of the suspects, Ramon Sanchez, 26, 315 N. Front St. Apt. 3N, New Bedford and Aaron J. Mason, 29, of 39 Roosevelt St., New Bedford, were observed at the Stop & Save Gas Station, 129 Ashley Blvd., which they are known to frequent. Both are facing charges out of Rhode Island on illegal possession of firearms.

Both are known gang members. Sanchez is a member of the Latin Kings, while Mason is a member of the Netas gang.

Sanchez also has open cases in Third District Court for two counts of assault and battery on a pregnant woman, two charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering in the daytime and breaking and entering in the daytime to commit a felony. He has a hearing scheduled Dec. 14 on those charges.

Third District Court Judge John Stapleton ruled that he must face those charges in Third District Court before being extradited to Rhode Island.
Sanchez has a long criminal history, including charges of assault and battery on a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to animals.

Mason is also wanted for an illegal firearms possession warrant out of Rhode Island. Judge Stapleton held him without bail. Mason also has an open drug case in New Bedford. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Nov. 16.

Mason also has a long criminal history, including charges of assault and battery on a police officer, possession of a class A substance with intent to distribute, firearms violations and drug trafficking.

As police were attempting to apprehend the two men, the store owner, Yeshya Naim Fares, 42, of 2427 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, yelled at police and attempted to interfere with the arrest. He was found to have a knife in his possession. He was charged with carrying a weapon, interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct. He was released on personal recognizance Wednesday and has a pretrial conference Jan. 11.

The warrant investigation also led to the arrest of Diego A. Perez-Martinez, 31, of 283 Sawyer St. Apt. 3D, New Bedford, who was located at 245 State St., Apt. 1. He is a member of Latin Kings. He was held without bail until Nov. 17, the deadline for authorities to take him to Rhode Island to face illegal possession of firearms charges. His criminal history includes charges of drug possession, assault and battery, receiving stolen property and malicious destruction of property.

--New Bedford Police