New Bedford - Local News - ABC News Radio

Teen in Critical Condition After Sunday Drive-By Shooting

2013-06-18T13:34:19Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- A New Bedford teen is in critical condition following a drive-by shooting on Sunday night, The Standard-Times reports.

Police say the 18-year-old victim, whose name has not been released, was returning to his car near Chancery and Middle Streets shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday when he was shot by a passing vehicle.

Officers arrived at the scene at 9 p.m. and found the teen suffering from at least two gunshots to his left leg and side.

He was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence where he received emergency surgery. A hospital spokesman said he was in critical condition as of Monday morning.

Police have not released a description of the vehicle and have not made any arrests yet. They are investigating the incident.

Mayor Mitchell Endorses Rep. Ed Markey for Senate

2013-06-17T13:52:57Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- Mayor Jon Mitchell endorsed U.S. Rep. Ed Markey for U.S. Senate at a small rally at his Pleasant Street campaign office Sunday afternoon, The Standard-Times reports.

Markey was not present for the endorsement, as he had other campaign commitments that prevented him from making it, but Mayor Mitchell spoke highly of him in front of 20 or so Markey supporters.

"I am supporting him because I think he's the best candidate for the city. We need someone who can go to bat for us and work both sides of the aisle," Mitchell said.

The mayor said that Markey would continue to stand up for South Coast and that he understood the needs of the fishing industry.

Mayor Mitchell said that his endorsement came so close to the June 25 election because of scheduling conflicts.

New Bedford Native Honored as Massachusetts Teacher of the Year

2013-06-14T18:58:33Z

(BOSTON) -- A New Bedford native was honored by the state on Thursday for her contributions in the classroom.

Anne Marie Bettencourt was feted by Gov. Deval Patrick and other state officials in a ceremony held at the Museum of Science in honor of Bettencourt being named the 2014 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.

Bettencourt is a ninth grade English Language Arts teacher at Springfield Central High School.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Shoplifter Carjacks Man, Escapes Officers

2013-06-13T13:52:43Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass) -- A man who attempted to shoplift from a supermarket escaped security officers by carjacking a Fairhaven man in the parking lot, The Standard-Times reports.

Police say the suspect tried to steal six containers of Tide detergent from Market Basket, located at 122 Sawyer Street at 1 p.m. Tuesday. He was spotted in the act by loss prevention officers who chased him into the parking lot.

The suspect ditched the detergent and hopped into a 31-year-old Fairhaven man’s truck, and told him to drive him away from the scene, threatening to harm the man if he didn’t do as he was asked.

As the truck drove around the back of the store, the suspect jumped out and started running toward Belleville Avenue. The driver returned to the store and waited for police.

The suspect, who is still at large, is described as a muscular white male around 30 years old. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and a Red Sox baseball cap.

Police are asking anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to contact Detective Steven Wadman at 508-991-6300, ext. 132.

Many New Bedford Students Attend Low-Ranking Schools

2013-06-12T13:47:39Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- Almost three-quarters of students in New Bedford attend schools that rank in the bottom fifth of schools in the state, according to The Standard-Times.

Thirteen schools in New Bedford are in the lowest performing 20 percent of schools in the state, a classification known as “Level 3.” All three city middle schools, New Bedford High School, and several large elementary schools are level three.

According to the state Department of Education website, 71 percent of New Bedford students attend one of those 13 schools, or about 8,900 out of 12,600 total students.

Woman Burned During Morning Grooming

2013-06-11T13:40:21Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- A woman was burned when she lit a cigarette during her morning grooming routine.

According to the Standard Times, the woman, 49, has a skin condition that is treated with rubbing alcohol. After she applied the rubbing alcohol on Monday morning, the woman reportedly lit a cigarette, causing her to catch fire.

She immediately jumped into the shower while her boyfriend called 911. Firefighters responded to the call shortly before 7 a.m, says the Standard Times.

The woman was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with second-degree burns on 30 percent of her body. Her injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Residents Warned After String of Burglaries

2013-06-10T13:59:37Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- Police are warning residents in Freetown, Mass., to be aware of a series of burglaries over the weekend.

Six homes in the area of Assonet Village were broken into and cash, cell phones and other items were stolen, the Standard Times reported.

Police told the Standard Times that the thieves seem to gain entry either through unlocked doors or by forcing locked doors open. Police urge anyone in the Freetown area to make sure they activate their alarm systems and to keep their homes and vehicles locked.

Anyone with information regarding the burglaries is asked to call (508) 763-4017.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Teen Arrested for Possessing Machete, Knife

2013-06-07T14:16:39Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- Police took a teenager into custody on Thursday after he was allegedly found with a machete and a knife.

According to the Standard Times, the 16-year-old male was charged with disturbing the peace while armed, resisting arrest and violation of a city ordinance related to carrying a dangerous weapon.

Officers from the Gang Unit spotted the teen walking in an unusual manner, not bending his right leg, says the Standard Times. When the officers approached the teen, he tried to run. As he ran, a machete fell to the ground and he tossed away an additional knife, cops say.

The officers tackled the teen and stunned him with a Taser after he struggled.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Police Warn Residents of Paving Scam

2013-06-06T13:57:47Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- Police are warning citizens to be aware of a paving crew that has reportedly been going door-to-door, soliciting work on driveways and sidewalks.

According to The Standard Times, the crew offers to do work for a discounted rate, but actually charges higher prices and uses shoddy materials.

The company targets elderly citizens, according to the Standard Times, and does not have a permit allowing them to solicit door-to-door.

Anyone who is contacted by the company is asked to contact the New Bedford Police immediately.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio

Fence Surrounding ‘The Whaleman’ Statue Removed

2013-06-05T13:37:15Z

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) -- A fence surrounding “The Whaleman” statue, outside the New Bedford Library that was the subject of much criticism, was removed as the statue nears its 100th anniversary celebration, The Standard-Times reports.

The statue, which was commissioned in 1912, is a symbol of New Bedford.

A wrought-iron fence was installed around it in 2011 to protect the statue, which many said diminished the statue and went against the sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt’s original intent.

Pratt’s family has long protested the fence, and this past week Mayor Jon Mitchell helped their efforts to remove the fence.

The statue is now surrounded by azalea bushes.

A celebration has been organized for June 20 to celebrate the statue's centennial.