New Bedford Man Arrested on Drug and Firearms Charges

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man was arrested on drug and firearms charges after police allegedly observed him taking part in a drug transaction Tuesday night.

New Bedford Police said that on August 27, detectives observed a man and a women engaged in a drug transaction on Acushnet Avenue in the area of Deane Street.

Police said Jacob Matthew-Almeida, 26, of New Bedford was approached by officers and was found to be in possession of crack cocaine, a digital scale, and a black fanny pack containing a loaded .45-caliber Sig Sauer P250 firearm. Also seized was $197 in cash.

Matthew-Almeida was taken into custody and charged with possession of a large-capacity firearm and ammunition without a license, distribution of crack cocaine, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance laws.

According to police, Matthew-Almeida has previous convictions for assault and battery, resisting arrest, and malicious destruction of property. In 2018, he allegedly led New Bedford Police on a high-speed chase which damaged a police cruiser and a parked vehicle. He faced drug and motor vehicle charges and firearms were found discarded along the vehicle’s route.

They said at the time of this most recent arrest, he had six open cases out of New Bedford District Court.

Police identified the woman purchasing the narcotics as Tatiana Irizarry, 31, of New Bedford. She is charged with possession of crack and conspiracy to violate drug laws.