Two Arrested, Gun Seized in Fall River Raid

FALL RIVER — Two men have been arrested after Fall River Police executed a search warrant at a Ford Street home.

Detectives conducting surveillance on Tony Almond, 34, of 58 Ford Street, witnessed Almond exit his home on Thursday and enter the back seat of a vehicle that was parked on the street. While detectives called for backup, Almond was seen re-entering his home. Soon after, an unidentified male was seen walking toward Almond's residence before also going inside.

Detectives followed the two men into the home and announced "Police! Search warrant!"

Police say Almond began to reach into his pockets while turning away from the detectives. Almond was immediately ordered by detectives to show his hands. Almond complied, but allegedly threw a plastic bag onto the floor at the same time. Upon closer examination, police determined that the bag contained crack cocaine.

The second male was identified by police as James Neal, 37, also of Fall River. Police learned that Neal had an active warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody.

A search of the home uncovered a loaded Taurus PT739 .380 caliber handgun that had been hidden between a mattress and a box spring. A check of the firearm revealed that it had been reported stolen out of Georgia. Police also found an additional 14.8 grams of an unknown white powdery substance, along with several digital scales and packaging materials.

Both men were arrested.

Almond is charged with possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug (subsequent offense), possession of ammunition without an FID card, possession of a non-large capacity firearm without a license, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a firearm with 3 prior violent/drug crimes, and receiving stolen property less than $1,200.

Neal faces charges of assault, threat to commit a crime, and larceny over $1,200. He was also charged with the outstanding warrant.