FALL RIVER - Last night at approximately 11:37 PM, the Fall River Police Department received a 911 call reporting possible gun shots in the area of Airport Road and Riggenbach Road in Fall River.

Police responded to this location, and upon approach, observed a number of vehicles leaving the area. The first responding officer attempted to stop a vehicle from leaving the scene. During this encounter, the police officer fired shots into the vehicle, striking the operator. The operator (later identified as Larry Ruiz-Barreto, 19, of New Bedford) was transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The matter is currently under investigation by Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation into all facts and circumstances surrounding the shooting, we will be unable to comment further on this case until the investigation has been completed. At that time, our office will publicly release a full report on the matter.

-Bristol County District Attorney's Office

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