New Bedford Police Arrest Man on GPS Monitor on Gun and Drug Charges

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A South Dartmouth man already wearing a GPS monitoring bracelet was recently arrested by New Bedford Police and now faces new charges after allegedly throwing a loaded handgun out of a car window while carrying drugs.

According to police, detectives from the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau attempted to stop a vehicle on November 14 after it fled from them at a high rate of speed. Police said that during the pursuit, detectives saw the driver throw what was later revealed to be a loaded handgun out the car window.

It was later learned that the driver of the vehicle was Hayden Andrade, 22, of South Dartmouth. Police said Andrade was wearing a GPS monitoring bracelet, and was then located in the area of the Brock Avenue-Emery Street intersection.

After a short foot pursuit, police placed him into custody. He was allegedly found in possession of a plastic bag of fentanyl weighing 18 grams and a plastic bag of cocaine weighing 42 grams.

Detectives Jacob Rebello and Jonathan Miranda were the arresting officers.

In February 2023, Andrade was arrested for allegedly dealing cocaine after 15 grams were seized during the execution of a search warrant at his house. He was then released on bail from New Bedford District Court, police said.

In May 2023, Andrade was arrested while out on bail after he led detectives on a vehicle chase through the city’s West End, and then crashed his vehicle. He was found in possession of an illegal loaded Glock 9mm handgun and 24 grams of cocaine. Despite already being on bail, Andrade was released again by the court with a GPS anklet.

Police Chief Paul Oliveira called it a “significant error in judgment” that Andrade was not in prison following those earlier arrests.

“It is unfortunate that, yet again, I have to inform the public that we have re-arrested an individual who had no business being on the street. The decision at New Bedford District Court to release him after his felony arrest in April of 2023 while out on bail was a significant error in judgment,” Chief Oliveira said.

“Our officers work tirelessly to ensure public safety, but when key decisions at New Bedford District Court fail to reflect the gravity of certain cases, the consequences affect the safety of our City,” Oliveira said. “I urge the judges at New Bedford District Court to consider this as we strive to maintain the trust and safety of the residents of New Bedford.”