New Bedford man held without bail in Fall River Court after fireworks allegedly thrown at officers

A local man faced a judge Monday after fireworks were allegedly thrown at police officers.

According to police, on Sunday, July 5, at around 8:30 p.m., officers responded to Montes Park in New Bedford to assist with dispersing large crowds following the Cape Verdean Independence Day festivities.

As officers were moving people from the area and repeatedly instructing them to leave, a lit firework was thrown near the officers, causing them to move to avoid the debris. Shortly afterward, a second lit firework was thrown directly at the officers, striking three of them. A third lit firework was then thrown into a nearby tree.

Officers identified one of the individuals involved in the incident and attempted to place him into custody. The suspect fled on foot but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.

19-year-old Jhan Carlos Baez was arrested at the scene and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Additionally, 26-year-old Keishon Patterson was arrested and charged with three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, a warrant arrest, and unlawful possession of fireworks.

At the time of his arrest, Det. Ciulla-Monteiro found Patterson to be in possession of a loaded black Ruger LCP handgun loaded with six rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. He does not possess a valid Massachusetts License to Carry and was additionally charged with carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

24-year-old Juante Lewis was also issued a criminal summons charging him with three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct.

Court records show that Patterson was arraigned in New Bedford District Court last month.

On Monday, Patterson was arraigned in Fall River Superior Court where he pled not guilty and was held without bail pending a decision on dangerousness. He has hearing scheduled for September 14th.

Baez pled not guilty in New Bedford District Court and was released on personal recognizance on July 6th with Discovery Compliance & Jury Election scheduled for October 14th.