Two Arrested in Shooting of Innocent Bystander

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Police detectives have made two arrests in connection with the shooting that injured an innocent bystander on Monday.

The 60-year-old man was shot while in his apartment on Tallman Street, hit in the neck after gunfire was exchanged on the street in what police believe was a gang altercation.

U.S. Marshals, working closely with New Bedford detectives, arrested the two in the Bronx borough of New York City on Friday afternoon. The two were believed to be staying with a family member there.

Arrested was 19-year-old Estefanie Helena of 351 North Front Street, and 20-year-old Justin Ortega, with a last known address of 183 Chancery Street. Both are charged with assault and battery by discharge of a firearm (two counts); malicious destruction of property; carrying a loaded rifle/shotgun on a way; carrying a firearm without a license; and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a building.

"I am pleased with the quick work of our police department with our federal partners to apprehend these dangerous suspects and ensure they off the streets of our community," Mayor Jon Mitchell said. "We will continue these and other efforts to eradicate gun violence from our city.”

“This is another fine example of the men and women of this department working collaboratively with partner agencies," Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro said. "I want to thank the fine men and women of this department for the great work they do every day”.

Helena and Ortega are being transported back to Massachusetts to face the charges. New Bedford Police say the investigation remains active.