New Bedford Man Arrested on Gun Charges After Accidental Shooting

Police recover firearms and drugs during search of residence following non-fatal incident.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence found during the police investigation.The recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition during the search warrant execution raises concerns about gun violence and public safety in the New Bedford community.New Bedford Today

The New Bedford Police Department has made an arrest following an investigation into a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, April 5. The victim, Saturnino Martell, was inside his residence when a juvenile accessed an unsecured firearm and accidentally discharged it, striking Martell. Martell left the residence prior to emergency personnel arriving and was later treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, Martell made statements indicating he had disposed of the firearm used in the shooting. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at Martell's residence, where they recovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and cocaine.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership, especially in homes with children present. The recovery of illegal drugs and multiple firearms during the search warrant execution also raises concerns about the broader issue of gun violence and drug crimes in the New Bedford community.

The details

According to the police press release, officers were notified that a male victim with a gunshot wound had arrived at Saint Luke's Hospital on Sunday, April 5. The victim was later identified as Saturnino Martell, 40. Through the investigation, detectives learned that Martell was inside his residence on South Second Street when a juvenile accessed an unsecured firearm and accidentally discharged it, striking Martell. Martell left the residence prior to emergency personnel arriving and was later treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, Martell made statements indicating he had disposed of the firearm used in the shooting. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at Martell's residence, where they recovered a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, 65 shotgun shells, 74 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, 163 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, 13 rounds of .380 caliber ammunition, and approximately 10.8 grams of cocaine.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2026.
  • Martell arrived at the hospital just before 6 p.m. on April 5.

The players

Saturnino Martell

A 40-year-old New Bedford resident who was the victim of the accidental shooting incident.

New Bedford Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and executed the search warrant at Martell's residence.

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What’s next

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accidental shooting and the possession of the firearms and drugs found at Martell's residence. The juvenile who accessed the unsecured firearm may also face charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with children present, to prevent accidental shootings and potential tragedies. It also highlights the broader issue of gun violence and drug crimes that communities like New Bedford continue to grapple with.