New Bedford Man Armed With Knife Arrested in Liquor Store Altercation

NEW BEDFORD — A New Bedford man armed with a knife has been arrested and charged following an alleged altercation Monday night in the city’s North End.

On May 10 at around 8 p.m., officers responded to the area of Acushnet Avenue and Collette Street for a report of a male with a knife. Police say bystanders directed officers to the suspect, who approached the police cruiser and used his knife to strike its window several times.

“He ignored numerous commands to drop his weapon and became increasingly agitated as officers arrived on scene,” police said in a release. “Ultimately, responding officers successfully de-escalated the situation and the suspect returned to the sidewalk, dropped the knife, and placed his hands behind his back. He was then taken into custody.”

The suspect was identified as Braulio Jones, 38, of Tallman Street.

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According to police, Jones had been inside of Friendly Liquors when he began arguing with a female victim. She told police Jones approached her in the store and asked for money, which started an argument between the two. Jones then allegedly grabbed her by the throat and began hitting her. He then allegedly produced a knife and began swinging at her, and she told police she sprayed him with pepper spray before being knocked to the ground. Jones then left the store and was eventually stopped by responding officers. Officer Jordan Barbosa was the arresting officer.

Jones is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Police say he has a previous conviction in New Bedford District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in 2014.

“The responding officers displayed remarkable restraint and professionalism in approaching a dangerous suspect, taking command of the situation, and subsequently de-escalating the situation without incident,” said Acting Police Chief Paul Oliveira.