Juvenile Accidentally Shoots New Bedford Man With His Own Gun

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A shooting that occurred Sunday evening in New Bedford has been deemed accidental, and police said a juvenile shot the victim with his own firearm.

According to New Bedford Police, officers were notified just before 6 p.m. on April 5 that a man with a gunshot wound had arrived at St. Luke’s Hospital.

He was later identified as Saturnino Martell, 40.

How the Accidental Shooting Happened

Investigating detectives learned that Martell was inside his South Second Street home when a juvenile gained access to an unsecured firearm and fired the weapon in what is believed to be an accidental discharge, striking Martell.

Martell left the residence before emergency personnel arrived and was later treated at the hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening.

What New Bedford Police Found Inside the Home

Martell told investigators he had disposed of the firearm, but once detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at his home, they found a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun. They also found 65 shotgun shells, 74 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 163 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, 13 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, and approximately 10.8 grams of cocaine.

Police said Martell does not possess a valid license to carry in Massachusetts.

Charges Filed Against the New Bedford Man

He was arrested and charged with intent to distribute a Class B drug, four counts of possession of ammunition without an FID card, unlawful possession of a rifle or shotgun, reckless endangerment of a child under 18, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding.