West-End Foot Pursuit Leads to Gun Seizure

New Bedford, MA — On Jan. 31st, detectives assigned to the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau were conducting surveillance in the central sector of the city, targeting street-level narcotics sales and criminal activity.

Det. Jonathan Miranda had received information that DWAYNE WATKINS, 21, of 766 KEMPTON STREET, was in possession of a firearm. At around 8:30 PM, detectives spotted WATKINS in the area of the Tremont St./James St. intersection.  As the officers approached, WATKINS immediately fled on foot and appeared to be holding an item firmly against his body.  The detectives were eventually successful in subduing him in the rear of a nearby yard.

WATKINS was found to be in possession of a loaded .380 Smith & Wesson handgun. He was placed under arrest and charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

“These officers were aware that they were pursuing a young man who was armed with a gun that he could have turned and fired on them at any time,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “We must acknowledge the danger that the men and women of this department face on a daily basis in order to take these guns off the streets. I’m very proud of them.” 

The arresting detective was Jonathan Miranda.

If you have any information you would like to give the police, you can do so anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or visiting our website and submitting a tip.