Two Men Arrested in New Bedford for Assault Over Loan Dispute

NEW BEDFORD — Two men are arrested in New Bedford after allegedly attacking another man over a financial dispute.

New Bedford Police were called to a parking lot near 306 Ashley Boulevard in the city's North End at about 8:08 p.m. on Sunday for a report of a fight. The reporting party also told police that two men were searching through a vehicle.

When police arrived, two of the men fled from officers, running through backyards and scaling fences in the area.

A victim at the scene told police he was assaulted by the two men as part of a dispute over a loan.

Police apprehended the fleeing suspects, identified as Nicholas Lewis, 28, of 546 Middle Street, New Bedford, and David Saucier, 34, of 13 Hope Street, Apt. 1, Acushnet. Police searched the men and found a metal object in Lewis' possession. Police say Saucier was in possession of a knife larger than allowed by city ordinance.

Lewis faces charges of assault and battery to collect a loan, trespassing, carrying a dangerous weapon, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and an outstanding warrant.

Saucier is charged with assault and battery to collect a loan, trespassing, carrying a dangerous weapon, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, and violation of city knife ordinance.