New Bedford Woman Sought After Skipping Last Day of Trial

An arrest warrant has been issued for a New Bedford woman who failed to show up during the last day of her criminal trial.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn's office says 27-year-old Caroline Peraza Rivera, formerly of 80 Earle Street, was on trial for multiple weapons charges and a charge of larceny and receiving stolen property in relation to a June 4 shots fired incident on Ashley Street in New Bedford.

After Rivera failed to appear in court Friday, Judge Jeanmarie Carroll ruled Monday the trial would continue without Rivera's presence. The jury convicted Rivera of all charges and sentencing has been stayed until she is apprehended.

If anyone has information regarding Rivera's whereabouts, they are urged to call New Bedford Police at 508-991-6300, or the department's anonymous tip line at 508-961-4584.