Four Arrested, Gun Recovered After Massive Fight Breaks Out Outside New Bedford Bar

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Four men were arrested by New Bedford Police following a large disturbance of more than 75 people downtown early Sunday morning that required assistance from four other law enforcement agencies.

Just after 2 a.m. on May 31, officers were in the Pleasant Street area as patrons were leaving downtown establishments. The police were there to help crowds disperse safely.

During that time, police said the officers saw Bento’s Bar & Grill at 555 Pleasant Street was still occupied by patrons after 2 a.m. The officers spoke with management about needing to begin clearing customers from the premises.

Chaos Erupts Near Downtown New Bedford Bar

“At the same time, multiple fights broke out among a large group of individuals, resulting in a significant disturbance,” police said in a release. “Officers worked to separate those involved and disperse the crowd; however, the disorder continued to escalate as additional individuals joined the disturbance.”

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Mutual Aid Called to Disperse Crowd

New Bedford Police sent all available units to help with the situation, and then later requested assistance from mutual aid partners including Massachusetts State Police, Acushnet Police, Fairhaven Police, and Dartmouth Police.

The disturbance involved a crowd of more than 75 people, police said, and resulted in four arrests. Officers recovered a loaded firearm from one of those arrested, and a knife from another.

Several officers were assaulted during the incident, and two were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. No serious injuries were reported.

Multiple Arrests and Weapons Seized

The individuals arrested were:

• Devian Hernandez, 25, of Fall River, charged with disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct
• Sajiah Arnum, 26, of New Bedford, charged with disorderly conduct
• Robert Lopes, 43, of New Bedford, charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct
• Elijah Raymond, 22, of New Bedford, charged with disturbing the peace, carrying a dangerous weapon/disturbing the peace while armed, and disorderly conduct.

Police said Raymond possessed a valid License to Carry that is now being reviewed as a result of his arrest

Police said a report will be submitted to the Licensing Board for review concerning Bento's Bar and Grill.