New Bedford Man Facing Gun Charges After South End Shots Fired Incident

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man was arrested after police said he was found with a gun following an incident of shots fired in the city’s South End.

According to New Bedford Police, officers responded at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 1 to a report of shots fired in the area of Rural Cemetery. The officers arrived at the cemetery and began searching for any signs of activity.

Police said that’s when Officer Brandon Duarte observed a vehicle parked in the southwest section of the cemetery with its lights off.

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Officer Duarte investigated further and discovered Jalen Kikko Carreiro Baganha, 19, seated in the vehicle. Police said a search led to the discovery that Baganha allegedly had a Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with nine rounds of ammunition in his possession, along with two knives.

Baganha was arrested and charged with trespassing with a motor vehicle, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and carrying a loaded firearm with the serial numbers defaced.

“This is a prime example of how important it is to have the public as an extension of our eyes and ears. An alert neighbor called in a report of shots fired, and some very thorough officers covered a large area, leading to the discovery of the suspect and the firearm,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. “As always, I’m very proud of the officers and the work being done to keep the community safe.”