New Bedford Police Arrest 15 in Crime Sweep, Seize Loaded Gun

NEW BEDFORD - New Bedford Police narcotics unit took a loaded firearm off the street and made 15 arrests Thursday as part of a targeted enforcement of street level offenses in the south end.

Two juveniles were arrested after one was observed discarding a .22 caliber Walther firearm loaded with six rounds of .22 ammunition into a Dumpster in the area of Bluefield Street.

One of the 16-year-old males was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and disturbing the peace while armed.

The other 16-year-old was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after a small amount of marijuana and cash were found on him.

Eight people were arrested on outstanding warrants:

Mary Margaret Lopes, 25, 95 Washington St., New Bedford.
Scott R. Pacheco, 36, 51 White Oak Run, Dartmouth.
Deborah Baliko, 51, 213 Rockland St. Apt. 3, New Bedford.
Carlos Alberto Saenz, 19, 65 Saturn Drive, New Bedford.
Richard Matthew Silva, 58, homeless.
Antonio Diaz Gonzalez, 48, 75 Crapo St., New Bedford.
Robert Puzzo, 66, 73 Division St., New Bedford.
Jeffrey Ferreira, 33, 33 Viall St. Apt. 2, New Bedford.

Five people were arrested for possession of an open container of alcohol on a public way.

Thomas Smith, 57, 12 Ruth St. Apt. 2E, New Bedford.
Aaron M. Britto, 37, 71 Ruth St. Apt. 2, New Bedford.
Josue Roldan-Quiles, 24, 95 Cleveland St., New Bedford.
Kevin Lopez, 24, 110 County St. Apt. 3, New Bedford.
Edgardo Colon, 52, 54 N. Main St., Brockton.

This is another example of the great work NBPD officers do every day to enhance the quality of our neighborhoods.