New Bedford Man Arrested After Four-Hour Police Standoff

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford man has been arrested after a four-hour police standoff in the city on Thursday night.

Police said 48-year-old Anthony Medeiros was taken into custody at his home at 635 County St. following the standoff.

According to police, North End patrol units were investigating Medeiros, who has two active warrants for his arrest, on suspicion of illegally possessing firearms.

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At first Medeiros spoke to the officers through a closed door, but police said he eventually stopped communicating entirely.

Police decided to call in a special reaction team from the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council to assist.

After several hours, Medeiros left his apartment peacefully and was arrested.

Police said a search of his home turned up two unsecured assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and over 900 rounds of ammunition, which he had without a license.

He is facing a variety of charges.

City residents had left several comments asking about the incident on a New Bedford police post asking them to stay away from the area at around 11 p.m. Thursday.

"Given the fact that this man possessed the level of firepower and ammunition that he did, I’m very grateful that this situation didn’t escalate into something far worse," New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said.

"The potential for a deadly encounter was there. I appreciate the professionalism that all of the responding officers displayed in their tactics and demeanor as they deescalated this volatile incident.”