New Bedford Ex-Convict Arrested Following Providence Riots

A New Bedford man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested Tuesday morning in Providence, Rhode Island apparently in connection with Monday night's riots and looting in that city.

Bruno Lopes, 24, of 24 Griffin St. in New Bedford, was among more than 60 people taken into custody in Providence either Monday night or Tuesday morning, according to a list of arrestees released by the Providence Police Department.

Lopes appears to be the New Bedford man who in broad daylight on May 14, 2018 shot a handgun at a vehicle being driven by a rival gang member near Temple Landing. New Bedford Police found in his possession a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson, ammunition, and drugs. A man with the same name, Griffin St. address, and date of birth in June of 2019 was convicted by a jury and sentenced to jail for attempted assault and battery by discharge of a firearm. It's not clear when Lopes was released from the Bristol County House of Correction.

At the time of his 2018 arrest, Lopes had nine open cases in New Bedford District Court and had failed to show for court dates at least 14 times, WBSM previously reported. His history included 12 adult arraignments on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, and possession of a narcotic with intent to distribute.

The current charges against Lopes were not named by Providence Police, and the department did not respond this morning to a request for further information, so it's not known exactly what the man is accused of doing.

Governor Gina Raimondo on Monday said that those who engaged in destruction and looting in the city came prepared to wreak havoc and were not associated with peaceful demonstrators. Earlier in the day hundreds showed up in Providence to protest the May 25 death of George Floyd, a black man who died under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer.

Raimondo has mobilized the National Guard and Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza instituted a 9 p.m. curfew in the city.

The New Bedford Police Department today did not immediately respond to a request for comment and declined to release Lopes' 2018 booking photo.