NEW BEDFORD — A 20-year-old city man was arrested Sunday afternoon in connection with the shooting of a New Bedford police detective last week, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and police.
Cheybane Vasconcelos-Furtado, 20, of New Bedford has been charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, and two counts of wanton destruction of property.
He is also charged with one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying an illegal firearm and carrying a loaded illegal firearm, per the New Bedford Police Department.
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The arrest was made at a home on Worcester Street with assistance from Massachusetts State Police detectives, MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section officers, and federal agents.
NBPD Detective Lavar Gilbert was working undercover in an unmarked vehicle near Ashley Park around 8:45 p.m., Monday, when he was struck in the face by a bullet, according to police. Another individual received a gunshot wound in the foot that police said is related to the incident.
Asked if anyone else has been arrested, the DA’s spokesperson said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
“I’m pleased with this arrest and the progress that was made today,” said Police Chief Paul Oliveira in a statement Sunday. “Although today is a well-earned win, there is more work to be done as this investigation continues and we continue to follow up on leads.”
“We will not rest until each person connected with this shooting has taken a seat in our booking room,” he continued.
Gilbert was released from a Boston hospital on Friday. He drove himself to St. Luke’s Hospital after being shot. New Bedford police say he will need to return for a follow-up procedure in the near future.
He has served the department for 17 years, much of it in the narcotics division.
Vasconcelos-Furtado will be arraigned in New Bedford District Court Monday morning. Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson will be prosecuting the case.
Email Anastasia E. Lennon at alennon@newbedfordlight.org.
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Wow! The new Bedford police should solve all the shootings so quickly! Amazing what they can do when they want to!