New Bedford Police Chief Praises ‘Heroes’ After Deadly Standoff on Blackmer Street

UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as Derek Rego, 39, of New Bedford. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office has provided additional details.

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A suspect is dead after an attempted traffic stop turned into a shootout with police in New Bedford Wednesday evening.

How the New Bedford Traffic Stop Escalated Into Gunfire

New Bedford Police said that at about 7 p.m. on November 11, a detective attempted to stop a motor vehicle in the area of Potomska Street and South Front Street, but the vehicle did not stop. The driver then stopped in the area of South First Street and Blackmer Street and fired a gun at the detective, who returned fire.

The vehicle then fled again before coming to a stop at the intersection of Blackmer Street and South Second Street. The suspect then got out of the car and ran into a residence on Blackmer Street, leaving a child in the vehicle.

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Suspect Barricades Inside Blackmer Street Residence

New Bedford Police and Massachusetts State Police established a perimeter around the building and evacuated area residents. The suspect later fired again at police from an upper floor of the residence, and a State Police trooper returned fire.

Additional resources were called in, including the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Tactical Team and negotiators. Although law enforcement attempted to de-escalate the situation, a gunshot was heard from inside the residence a short time later.

Tactical Drone Deployed as Standoff Comes to an End

Authorities were then unable to make contact with the suspect, so the Tactical Team deployed a drone into the residence and located the suspect, who was deceased.

No members of law enforcement or civilians were injured in the incident.

The suspect’s identity was not released. The incident is now under investigation by Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

New Bedford Police Chief Commends Responding Officers

“This incident highlights the danger our officers can be faced with in just a split second,” New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said. “There is no doubt that the bravery shown by the officers from New Bedford and across Southeastern Massachusetts saved lives this evening.”

“While any loss of life is tragic, I am grateful that no police officers, other public safety personnel, or innocent bystanders were hurt during this incident,” Thody said. “I want to commend every agency from New Bedford and beyond that showed up and displayed professionalism and courage under extraordinary circumstances. They are all heroes.”

Statement From New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell

“Last night’s incident on Blackmer Street could have turned out much worse if it wasn’t for the quick and skillful actions of our police officers and their law enforcement partners," Mitchell said. "I am grateful that no one but the suspect was hurt and that the neighborhood can breathe a sigh of relief.”