Fairhaven Police Arrest Suspect in Gunshot Incident

FAIRHAVEN — Fairhaven Police have arrested and charged a suspect in last Friday night’s incident in which a gun was fired during an alleged argument on Middle Street.

Sean Reilly, 23, of Montgomery, Alabama was charged with: discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building; assault by means of a dangerous weapon; disturbing the peace; and disorderly conduct. He was expected to be arraigned today in New Bedford District Court.

On Friday night, Aug. 7, Fairhaven Police responded to the area of Middle Street and Bridge Street after receiving a report of a fight and possible gunshot fired.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located two men walking south on Middle Street. The men told the officers that they had gotten into a verbal argument with another man, who was unknown to them, and at one point the man fired a single gunshot near the two.

No one was injured in the incident and police did not receive any reports of property damage.

Police searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the suspect. However, a single 9mm shell casing was located on the ground near 98 Middle Street.

Through the subsequent investigation, Fairhaven Police identified the suspect as Reilly, who is a 3rd Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. Reilly was arrested this morning at the Sector Southeast Coast Guard Station in Woods Hole, where he is currently stationed.

Police seized Reilly’s 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol as evidence. Reilly had a license to carry the firearm.

— Fairhaven Police