New Bedford Man Arrested With Loaded Gun in South End

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man was arrested and a firearm recovered following an investigation in the city’s South End this past weekend.

Surveillance Operation in New Bedford’s South End

According to New Bedford Police, on Sunday, March 15, Detective Jonathan Miranda received information that a man was believed to be in possession of a loaded firearm in the South End.

Detectives conducting surveillance on County Street reportedly saw Jose Mendonca, 36, “walking while gripping a black cross-body bag and repeatedly looking over his shoulder,” according to police.

Detectives Stop Suspect on County Street

The detectives stopped Mendonca to investigate and found a Hi-Point Model C9 firearm in the cross-body bag. It was loaded with nine rounds of 9mm ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber.

Charges Filed After Gun Recovered

Police said Mendonca does not have a Massachusetts License to Carry. He was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

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Gun death rates per 100,000 are high in the U.S., and getting higher. Here's a list of states ranked by firearm safety, from lowest death rates to highest. Data for 2021 is from the CDC via Violence Policy Center.

Gallery Credit: Kate Robinson

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