Westport Police Arrest New Bedford Man on Multiple Gun Charges

WESTPORT (WBSM) — Westport Police arrested a New Bedford man after he was allegedly carrying an unlicensed firearm while walking in the rain just after 4 a.m. this morning.

According to police, officers responded at about 4:16 a.m. to an alarm activation at Westport High School/Middle School located at 400 Old County Road. The officers cleared that call and then headed west on Old County Road and encountered a man walking in the heavy rain.

The man was later identified as Nathan Santana of New Bedford.

Police said he was walking in a white tank top and sweatpants, and told the officers “he had been walking/jogging with a friend but had taken a wrong turn and was lost.”

“When questioned about the friend, Santana stated the friend was at home,” police said, noting he “was also holding a small pink wristlet which he claimed was his girlfriend’s wallet.”

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“While speaking with Santana, officers observed scratches on his arms and back and his clothing was partially covered in blood,” police said. “Due to the visible blood, officers questioned where his girlfriend was. He stated she had dropped him off but forgot the wallet in the car, which is why he had it.”

One of the officers then noticed a bulge under Santana’s shirt with indications it could be a firearm. He ordered Santana to place his hands on his head, and Santana complied.

He was placed into handcuffs, and police said the officers located a loaded black semi-automatic handgun in his waistband. He did not have a license to carry, according to police.

Santana was arrested and charged with possession of a large capacity firearm without an FID card, unlicensed possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a large capacity feeding device and receiving stolen property.

He was transported to Fall River District Court and has been arraigned.

“During booking, officers were able to make contact with the owner of the wallet to ensure her safety,” police said. “She was unaware Santana had stolen her wallet."