Alleged gun incident inside South Coast Walmart leads to Assault with Intent to Kill, other charges

A South Coast man is facing some serious charges after a reported violent gun incident inside a local Walmart resulted in injuries.

According to Lt. Kevin Kobza on Tuesday, just after 11 p.m., Fairhaven Police responded to the local Walmart, 42 Fairhaven Commons Way, for a report of a fight.

During an initial on-scene investigation, police learned that one of the individuals involved in the altercation, later identified as 22-year-old Brandin Gonsalves of New Bedford, allegedly produced a firearm and struck another individual with the weapon.

The altercation was reported to have taken place in the lobby of the store, and police located three unspent 9mm rounds of ammunition. A 9mm magazine loaded with additional rounds of ammunition was also recovered near the scene. Gonsalves does not possess a License to Carry in Massachusetts.

The victim who was allegedly struck was transported to an area hospital where they were treated and released.

At this time, police are unable to confirm that any rounds were fired, and the incident remains under investigation.

Fairhaven Police were assisted at the scene by Massachusetts State Police and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units.

Gonsalves was arrested and charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of Ammunition without a License, Carrying a Firearm without a License, and Assault with Intent to Kill. He was arraigned Wednesday in New Bedford District Court.