New Bedford Repeat Criminal Arrested While Allegedly Carrying a Knife, Gun and Drugs

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man with a lengthy criminal history, including a conviction for accessory after the fact to murder, was arrested recently while allegedly in possession of a loaded firearm, an illegal knife and drugs.

According to New Bedford Police, detectives from the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau were conducting surveillance in the North End on February 11 when detectives observed a man they said was behaving suspiciously.

The man was identified as Keeland Rose, 31, of New Bedford.

The detectives knew Rose and his criminal history, and they approached him in a small alleyway on Clark Street. Police said that when he was searched, Rose was allegedly found in possession of an illegal knife, a High Standard .22 revolver loaded with eight rounds, an additional 14 rounds of ammunition, five grams of crack cocaine and 1.5 grams of methamphetamine.

Rose was arrested and charged with trespassing, carrying a knife with a blade over 2.5 inches, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

Rose was convicted for being an accessory after the fact to murder for his involvement in the killing of 18-year-old Brad Lourenco in June 2017 at Clemont Park. Rose was sentenced to three to six years for his role in the murder.

After being released, Rose was again convicted of a felony stemming from a 2022 case in which he was found carrying a firearm. He was sentenced to 18 months for that charge.

"We have an individual here who was already convicted for his involvement in a homicide. He is released, caught with a gun, served time again, and is now back on our streets – once more armed,” Police Chief Paul Oliveira said. “This is exactly the kind of repeat offender the system should ensure remains behind bars.”

“Had the other 22 charges he accumulated over the past 15 years not been dismissed in New Bedford District Court, we might be able to hold him more accountable,” Oliveira said.