New Bedford Police Arrest Eight in Weekend Incident

New Bedford police detectives arrested four city men and four juveniles following an incident involving gunfire and an alleged armed robbery last weekend.

The police department released few details, but asked members of the public to come forward if they have any information about the "incident of shots fired with property damage and a fight that occurred over the weekend in the area of 340 Smith St."

"While investigating the shots fired, detectives learned the victim was also the victim of an assault/armed robbery on February 22," a police spokesperson wrote in a press release.

Four men were charged with three counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and armed robbery. They are Justin Cardoza, 19, of 87 Capitol St.; Walter Gomes, 20, of 292 Sawyer St., and Kevin A. Zelaya-Ayala, 21, of 351 Sawyer St., Apt. #2.

Melvin E. Pimental, 21, 27 Hicks St. was also charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, destruction of property, assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, witness intimidation, and carrying a loaded gun without a license.

The ages of the juvenile suspects were not revealed. The investigation is ongoing with more charges expected, police said.

Detective Jason Gangi is leading the investigation. Anyone with more information about the incident is asked to contact the NBPD Detective Unit at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 79519.