Multiple firearms seized by New Bedford Detectives

NEW BEDFORD, Mass (WLNE) — New Bedford Major Crime Detectives seized two firearms in separate incidents on Thursday.

Detective Sergeant Jonathan Lago and Jarrod Garcia were responding to a call for two armed men in the area of Chestnut Street and Willis Street. Upon arrival, the detectives who were now joined by Detective Samuel Algarin-Mojica, attempted to stop the men as one fled on foot. The man was seen throwing a firearm into a nearby yard before being arrested. The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Daziere Colton of New Bedford. The weapon he discarded was a loaded .22 caliber, Ruger pistol.

Colton is being charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license. He also has two open cases in New Bedford District Court for assault and battery, and assault by means of a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident in June.

In a separate incident on Thursday, Detectives were conducting surveillance in the south-end sector when they saw a suspected drug transaction taking place near Purchase Street and Russell Street. Upon being stopped, detectives discovered the man involved was carrying a black Polymer handgun with a high-capacity magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition. 22-year-old William Santiago was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm loaded with a high-capacity magazine without a license, distribution of marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.