Local Man Arrested with a Pistol and Rifles after Late-Night Pursuit

New Bedford, MA – An intoxicated bar patron has been arrested for possession of numerous weapons after leading police on a car chase.

During the early morning hours this past Saturday, patrol units were called to 1621 Acushnet Ave. (“The Morna Lounge”) in response to a male who had threatened security staff with a firearm.  As officers arrived on the scene, the suspect fled in his vehicle, leading them on a pursuit during which he drove erratically and even blew out one of his tires.  The suspect made his way via 195 West into Dartmouth before finally stopping and surrendering on Faunce Corner Rd.

The man was identified as Mr. GERALD AMBROSE, 20, of 305 Earle St.   AMBROSE was taken into custody by Ofc.’s Keith Almeida and Mason Almeida and found to be intoxicated.  During a search of the vehicle, Ofc. Mason Almeida discovered a 9 mm handgun on the driver’s side floor.  The gun was loaded with an extended magazine capable of holding 20 rounds.  In the trunk of the vehicle, officers discovered an AR-15 rifle with 3 high-capacity magazines capable of holding 30, 40, and 50 rounds, respectively.

AMBROSE was placed under arrest and later determined to have been operating with a .14 blood/alcohol level.  An additional shotgun and rifle were reported to be at a girlfriend’s house in Dartmouth.  Dartmouth police were contacted and assisted in retrieving these weapons.

AMBROSE was charged with a variety of serious offenses, including assault with a dangerous weapon, failure to stop for police, OUI liquor, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of high-capacity feeding devices, and possession of a firearm with serial numbers defaced, among other charges.

“This is a great case that illustrates the unknown dangers officers face in responding to calls for service,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “This was a volatile situation that could have ended in tragedy; I’m grateful that it was resolved safely, and I’m very appreciative of the work that’s being done by our officers out on the streets each day.”

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website and submitting a tip or by calling 508-99-CRIME.