8 from New Bedford and Fall River arrested after group reportedly fought with police, each other

Patrol officers made several arrests this week following a disturbance that took place in an area neighborhood.

On June 27th at approximately 5:30 p.m., south-end patrol units responded to the area of the Ruth Street/Roosevelt Street intersection in New Bedford for a large group that appeared to be readying to fight.

According to New Bedford Police, upon arrival, officers observed approximately ten individuals that were immediately aggressive with police. Sgt. Bruce Szyndlar was on scene and observed 22-year-old Gilberto Torres Garcia of New Bedford who he knew to have active warrants for his arrest. While attempting to take Garcia into custody, he fled. Three other individuals began to run after Sgt. Szyndlar to prevent him from giving chase. One of the men, 25-year-old Reinaldo Villafane of Fall River was placed under arrest for his attempts to interfere with the arrest.

While taking Garcia into custody, the group in the street began to grow and multiple individuals became confrontational with the responding units. The volatile scene quickly became chaotic as people were fighting both with the police and with each other. At this time, a victim injured by a knife presented himself to police, and a 17-year-old juvenile was placed under arrest for the stabbing.

22-year-old Angel Garcia of Fall River was placed under arrest after interfering with an arrest and attempting to flee from police.

25-year-old Dannyshka Figueroa Bermudez of New Bedford was observed kicking a male while he was on the ground and resisted officers before being taken into custody.

33-year-old Robert Sylvia of New Bedford attempted to drive his scooter through the crowd and nearly struck an officer who attempted to stop him. He was taken into custody and found to also have Suboxone and Gabapentin in his possession.

45-year-old Evelyn Garcia of Fall River was observed assaulting a male and was taken into custody.

57-year-old Hilberto Torres of New Bedford was seen by officers kicking a male in the head who was laid out on the sidewalk. He was placed under arrest.

If you have any information concerning the possession or use of illegal firearms in New Bedford, anonymous information can be provided at 508-99-CRIME, or at the NBPD website, www.newbedfordpd.com.