New Bedford Man Arrested With Loaded Gun in South End

Detectives say surveillance led to the arrest of a man carrying a loaded firearm.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:52pm

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New Bedford detectives say surveillance in the South End led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man, Jose Mendonca, who was carrying a loaded Hi-Point Model C9 firearm in a cross-body bag. Mendonca does not have a Massachusetts License to Carry and was charged with carrying a loaded firearm and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

Why it matters

Gun violence and illegal firearm possession remain a concern in many urban areas, including New Bedford's South End neighborhood. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address these issues through surveillance and proactive policing.

The details

According to police, detectives conducting surveillance on County Street saw Mendonca 'walking while gripping a black cross-body bag and repeatedly looking over his shoulder.' When they stopped Mendonca to investigate, they found the loaded Hi-Point Model C9 firearm in his bag.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Jose Mendonca

A 36-year-old New Bedford resident who was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

Detective Jonathan Miranda

A New Bedford police detective who received information about a man believed to be in possession of a loaded firearm and conducted the surveillance operation that led to the arrest.

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The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing illegal firearm possession and gun violence in urban communities. It also highlights the importance of proactive policing strategies, such as surveillance, to identify and apprehend individuals engaged in these activities.