Two Arrested After New Bedford Police Chase Ends With Gun Seizures

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police arrested two men and took two illegal firearms off the street following an early-morning chase Sunday.

Police Pursuit Begins After Stolen Car Spotted

According to police, Officer Shawn Raposo was on patrol at around 4 a.m. on August 24 when he observed a suspicious vehicle, later discovered to be stolen, trespassing in Victory Park on Brock Avenue.

“Upon being spotted, the vehicle fled from the scene erratically, leading patrol officers on a chase throughout the city before finally crashing into a parked vehicle in the area of Brooklawn Park,” police said. “Three suspects then fled on foot. They were observed to be wearing ski masks and rubber gloves.”

Loaded Glock Seized During Arrests

Following the foot pursuit, Officer Raposo and Officer Hector Rivera arrested Saijah Arnum, 26, of New Bedford and Jozel Grace, 19, of Taunton. Police said a loaded Glock 17 was seized, along with ammunition and a magazine capable of holding 22 rounds. They said the serial number of the gun had been defaced.

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Second Firearm Found in New Bedford Yard

Later in the day, police said, a loaded Sig Sauer handgun was also found in a yard on Sylvia Street.

Both men are charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, while Grace also is charged with “a number of serious offenses,” according to police, including illegal possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of ammunition, and possession of a large capacity magazine.

Third Suspect Still at Large

“The investigation into the identity of the third suspect is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming,” police said.