New Bedford man arrested for alleged role in gunfight

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The New Bedford Police Department said Tuesday that a man was arrested in connection to a shooting that happened in the city’s south end earlier this month.

According to police, 29-year-old Luis Vasquez, of New Bedford, is charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building and malicious damage to a motor vehicle after his arrest on Sept. 21.

Officials said that on September 10, just before midnight, police responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area of South First and Delano Streets.

Upon further investigation, police learned that two people in two separate cars exchanged gunfire with each other.

“We continue to see our patrol officers and detectives placing the utmost importance in the investigation of these shooting incidents. Their diligence and professionalism are reflective of the work being performed on a daily basis to keep the city safe,” New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said.

“As always, I am proud of our officers, and I encourage the partnership of the community in providing us with as much information as possible when violent crime occurs,” he continued.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting or another crime is urged to share with police or send an anonymous tip at the New Bedford Police Department website.