New Bedford Man Arrested for Alleged Role in South End Shooting

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford Police have arrested a city man in connection with a shooting that occurred in a South End housing development earlier this month.

According to police, Luis Vasquez, 29, was arrested on September 21 in connection with the September 10 shooting that occurred in the Ben Rose housing development.

On September 10, just before midnight, patrol units responded to a ShotSpotter notification of shots fired in the area of South First Street and Delano Street.

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Detective Brian Rei led the investigation, determining that the occupants of two separate vehicles exchanged gunfire with each other during the incident. Vasquez is alleged to have been one of the shooters.

Vasquez is charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building and malicious damage to a motor vehicle.

Just a few days prior on September 6, a similar incident occurred in the same housing development when a man on foot exchanged gunfire with a person in a passing vehicle.

Police arrested Jonathan Ovalle, 20, of New Bedford on September 12; he was allegedly the person shooting at the vehicle, according to police. They then arrested Christopher Little, 18, of New Bedford on September 14, alleged to have been the person in the vehicle firing a gun.

The driver of the vehicle, Shaundre Levy, 34, of New Bedford was also taken into custody.

“We continue to see our patrol officers and detectives placing the utmost importance in the investigation of these shooting incidents,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. “Their diligence and professionalism are reflective of the work being performed on a daily basis to keep the city safe.”

“As always, I am proud of our officers, and I encourage the partnership of the community in providing us with as much information as possible when violent crime occurs,” he said.