Update: New Bedford detective shooting suspect pleads not guilty

February 15, 2024 6:47 am

Gino DeAngelis,

New Bedford police tape off the intersection of Orchard and Rivet streets after a detective was shot, Monday, July 17, 2023. (WLNE)

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — A former New Bedford resident who is accused of shooting an undercover city detective faced a judge on Thursday.

Denzel Gomes pleaded not guilty to all seven charges against him.

Gomes was held without bail due to being deemed a flight risk.

Gomes was arrested by New Bedford police and U.S. Marshals after clearing customs Wednesday, having spent several months in Senegal.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III said that 18-year-old Gomes, formerly of the city, was arrested at Logan International Airport in connection with the July 2023 shooting of a New Bedford police detective.

Gomes was charged with armed assault to murder, attempted assault and battery with a firearm, assault and Battery with a Firearm, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious bodily injury, and carrying an illegal firearm.

Gomes is accused of shooting and injuring Det. Lavar Gilbert, and another civilian, on July 17, 2023 at the intersection of Orchard Street and Rivet Streets.

He was arrested by Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford Police shortly after his flight from Portugal landed at the airport.