New Bedford Gunman Sentenced to State Prison
FALL RIVER — A New Bedford man who shot and seriously injured another city man about three years ago has been sentenced to state prison.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III's Office says Josiahi Matos, 23, of New Bedford, pleaded guilty this week to a multi-count indictment charging him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed assault in a dwelling, carrying an illegal firearm, and carrying a loaded illegal firearm. Fall River Superior Court Judge Gregg Pasquale sentenced Matos to serve five to eight years in state prison followed by four years of supervised probation.
On March 13, 2016, New Bedford Police received multiple reports of shots fired with a victim in the area of 204 Sawyer Street. The reports were made shortly before noon. Police responded to the scene and found the victim lying face down in a pool of blood on the floor of his attic in his apartment.
The victim, who was suffering from several gunshot wounds, was transported to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
During the investigation, police learned that Matos had entered the victim's apartment uninvited and, after a brief verbal confrontation, began firing his gun at the victim, striking him in the leg.
Matos was arrested on March 14, 2016, in a locked room of a basement at 5 Bonneau Court, which is adjacent to the scene of the shooting.
“This is another example of senseless violence that could have killed the victim and endangered the public on a quiet Sunday morning,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This is lawlessness and the defendant has clearly demonstrated that he is a danger and doesn’t belong on the streets.”