Teen Arrested After Allegedly Throwing Fireworks at New Bedford Police Officers

UPDATE: Some charges against Baez have been dropped and two additional people have been charged.

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford teen faces assault and battery charges for allegedly throwing firecrackers at police officers as they attempted to disperse a large crowd at Montes Park Sunday night.

According to New Bedford Police, officers responded to Montes Park on the evening of July 5 to assist with dispersing large crowds that followed the Cape Verdean Independence Day festivities.

Scanner reports put the response at around 9 p.m.

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Fireworks Thrown at Officers Dispersing Crowds

“As officers escorted people from the area and repeatedly instructed them to leave, a lit firework was thrown near the officers, causing them to move to avoid the debris,” police said. “Moments later, a second lit firework was thrown directly at the officers, striking three of them.”

Suspect Flees Scene on Foot

Officers identified the person they thought threw the fireworks and attempted to detain him. He fled the scene on foot, but officers were able to apprehend him after a brief foot chase.

Assault Charges Filed Against New Bedford Teen

Jahn Carlos Baez, 19, of New Bedford, was arrested and charged with three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.