Alleged Fall River gang member sentenced to prison in city shooting

An alleged Asian Boyz Crip gang member from Fall River who fired several shots into an unoccupied van last June was sentenced to serve two-and-a-half to three years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Brendon Bindig pleaded guilty on Friday in Fall River Superior Court to indictments charging him with malicious destruction of a motor vehicle, carrying an illegal firearm and unlawfully possessing a loaded illegal firearm.

On June 11, 2018, Fall River Police received reports of shots fired in the area of 121 Pine Street. Upon arrival in the area, officers observed a Chevy Astro Van damaged with nine bullet holes to the body and windshield. Officers additionally located nine .40 caliber shell casings and copper fragments in the area of the van.

Upon speaking with witnesses, detectives learned that two males approached the area of 121 Pine St. and opened fire with what were described as black semi-automatic handguns. One witness recognized one of the parties by a street name of “15.” Members of the Fall River Police Department’s Gang Unit were familiar with “15” as the street name of this defendant. Detectives ultimately brought witnesses to the police station, where they identified Bindig as “15” from a photo array. The second male involved in the shooting was never positively identified.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Zachary Mercer and the state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Renee Dupuis.

“This is another example of senseless violence that appears to be gang related. This lawlessness undermines people’s sense of security in their neighborhoods. It is important to note that the defendant was held without bail as a danger to the community until his case was resolved,” District Attorney Quinn said.