Three Arrests and a Gun Seizure Following North-End Distrubance

New Bedford, MA — Patrol officers have taken an illegal firearm off the streets and placed three adults under arrest.

On April 22nd, around 6:30 PM, north-end units responded to 189 Deane Street in response to a group disturbing in the rear yard.  Upon arrival, Ofc. George Coto observed the group, one of whom was wearing a black ski mask.  Three individuals began to walk away from Ofc. Coto as he attempted to investigate further.

At this time, a male, later identified as JASON ANTHONY JOHNSON-RIVERA, 18, was observed handing an item believed to be a firearm to a second male, later identified as DAVID LUNA, 22.  DAVID placed this item in his waistband and quickly ran away from the scene.  He dropped the firearm during his attempt to flee.  Officers discovered that it was a 9mm handgun loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition within a high-capacity magazine.

Ofc. Nathaniel Goncalo arrived on the scene and assisted Ofc. Coto in taking LUNA into custody.  JOHNSON-RIVERA was also placed under arrest.  Both men were charged with carrying a firearm loaded with a high-capacity feeding device without a license.

Shortly thereafter, a young woman was uncooperative with officers on the scene and was also placed under arrest for intimidation of a witness, open container of alcohol, and resisting arrest.  She was identified as ALANAH MARTINEZ, 21.

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