19 year old shot and killed in officer involved shooting in Fall River

On Sunday November 12th, 2017 at approximately 11:45pm there was an ‘Officer Involved Shooting’ at the intersection of Riggenbach and Airport Road in the City of Fall River.

Officers of the Fall River Police Department responded to a disturbance call at the intersection of Riggenbach and Airport Road. The complainant reported that there was a “car smoking” and they heard “2 loud bangs sounded like gunshots”. The complainant also reported they were unsure if people are fighting or if it was a crash. Further information was given describing “several cars in the area” and a “green hatchback with stickers all over it smoking”.  Shortly after arrival, Officers reported shots fired at which time multiple units responded and secured the scene.

Larry Ruiz-Barreto, 19, of New Bedford, was pronounced dead at Charlton Memorial Hospital following the shooting.

During the incident, a number of vehicles were seen leaving the area and police attempted to pull one of them over. During that encounter the officers opened fire into the vehicle and the driver, Ruiz-Barreto, was then hit.

At this time the incident is still under investigation by the Bristol County District Attorneys’ Office, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorneys’ Office, State Police Crime Scene Unit, Fall River Police Department Major Crimes Division and the Fall River Police Crime Scene Unit. A concurrent investigation is being performed by the Office of Professional Standards.

At Charlton Memorial Hospital, five people were arrested after a disturbance related to this incident. They are to be arraigned in Second District Court today.