Violent Offender Arrested with Firearm

New Bedford, MA — On February 11th, detectives assigned to the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau were conducting surveillance in the city’s North End, targeting street-level narcotics sales and criminal activity.

Detectives observed a male behaving suspiciously, identified as KEELAND ROSE, 31, of 461 MAXFIELD STREET.  ROSE was well known to the detectives and was approached by them in a small alleyway on Clark Street. During a subsequent search, detectives located an illegal knife, a High Standard .22 revolver loaded with eight rounds of ammunition, an additional 14 rounds of ammunition, 5.0 grams of crack cocaine, and 1.5 grams of methamphetamine.

ROSE was placed under arrest and charged with trespassing, carrying a knife with a blade over 2.5 inches, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

ROSE was previously convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder for his involvement in the killing of Brad Lourenco in 2017.  He was sentenced to 3-6 years in Bristol Superior Court.  Following his release, ROSE was once again convicted of a felony stemming from a 2022 case in which he was found carrying a firearm.  He was then sentenced to an additional 18 months.

“We have an individual here who was already convicted for his involvement in a homicide.  He is released, caught with a gun, served time again, and is now back on our streets — once more armed. This is exactly the kind of repeat offender the system should ensure remains behind bars,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “Had the other 22 charges he accumulated over the past 15 years not been dismissed in New Bedford District Court, we might be able to hold him more accountable.”

The arresting officer was Robert Green.

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