New Bedford police seize firearm, “crack” cocaine from suspect arrested on same charges last year – New Bedford Guide

“On March 20th, at approximately 7PM, detectives assigned to the “Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau” were targeting criminal activity in the west-end sector. At this time, they conducted a traffic stop for a motor vehicle offense in the area of Spring St. and S. Sixth St. when a masked passenger emerged from the passenger side and began to flee on foot. He was observed trespassing into a nearby parking lot, producing a firearm from his waistband, and tossing it over a nearby fence.

Detectives Drew Frenette and Lavar Gilbert attempted to take the suspect into custody as he resisted their efforts. Once cuffed, he was found to be in possession of a baggie that contained 29 individually wrapped baggies of “crack” cocaine. The firearm he had tossed was found to be a Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition. He was also found to be in possession of 29 grams of marijuana and over $400 in cash which was seized.

The suspect was identified as Mr. LUIS GARCIA, 19. GARCIA had been arrested in February of 2022 under similar circumstances. During that previous incident, GARCIA fled from detectives before being stopped and found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun, as well as both “crack” cocaine and marijuana packaged in a manner for street-level sales. He was arraigned at New Bedford district court, held for a period, and subsequently released on bail.

With the first gun case still pending, GARCIA was again arrested in August of 2022. He was taken in on a warrant stemming from a group fight that took place in the north end in late July. During this attack, GARCIA threw punches as his co-defendant, CAMRON ALI MACKLIN, 19, produced a firearm and pistol-whipped a victim. A warrant was then requested for GARCIA for assault and battery, as well as assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Once again, he was arraigned at New Bedford district court, and subsequently released on bail. Those matters remain open in New Bedford district court where he had 10 open charges prior to this week’s arrest.

As a result of yesterday’s incident, GARCIA is now charged with trespassing, trafficking in excess of 18 grams of cocaine, and carrying a loaded firearm, ammunition, and a high-capacity feeding device while committing a felony.

The New Bedford police department remains steadfast in its mission to take illegal firearms off of the street before they can be used to tragic ends. Officers place themselves at great risk in pursuit of these weapons, doing so to keep the public safe.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.