NEW BEDFORD - New Bedford Police were able to track down and arrest a man in connection with gunshots fired on Wednesday morning in the North End.

As part of the investigation, detectives were able to identify a person of interest who was seen walking Thursday afternoon in the area of Acushnet Ave and Phillips Ave. The man tried to escape police on foot, but was soon caught by detectives.

The suspect, 24-year-old Jose Ramon Rodriguez of New Bedford, was in possession of a loaded .357 Taurus handgun along with several rounds of ammunition at the time of his arrest.

Rodriguez was immediately charged with:

  • Unlawful possession of a firearm without a license
  • Firearm violation with 1 prior violent/drug crime
  • Unlawful carrying of a firearm
  • Unlawful possession of ammunition
  • Disturbing the peace while armed

As result of the initial investigation from Wednesday morning, detectives are also charging Rodriguez with the following additional charges:

  • Receiving stolen property
  • Illegally attaching plates
  • Obscured license plate number
  • Unlawful  possession of ammunition
  • Unlawful carrying of a firearm
  • Unlawful carrying a loaded firearm
  • Discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Assault to murder

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