Police Search for ‘Violent Suspect’ Sparks Fire in New Bedford’s North End [VIDEO]

NEW BEDFORD - Police activity at a New Bedford apartment building caused a fire in the North End Tuesday night.

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes tells WBSM News that New Bedford Police were searching for a "violent suspect" at 190 Belleville Road at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Chief Gomes says police deployed a flashbang, also known as a stun or flash grenade, into the living room of the first floor apartment. The explosion from the device ignited a fire on the living room couch. Gomes says the fire was extinguished after the building had been cleared by police. No injuries were reported and there was no significant damage to the apartment.

In video posted on social media, New Bedford SWAT team members could be seen near the scene of the fire.

New Bedford Police have referred questions regarding police activity at the scene to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

When asked if the incident was connected to the ongoing investigation into Tuesday's double homicide, a spokesman for the Bristol County District Attorney's Office declined comment.