A suspect has been arrested and charged in the alleged shooting last week of an undercover New Bedford detective in the face.
Cheybane Vasconcelos-Furtado, 20, was arrested on Worcester Street Sunday in New Bedford by a team that included New Bedford Police, State Police, members of the state police violent fugitive squad and federal agents with ATF.
“I’m pleased with this arrest and the progress that was made today. This arrives following a very long week for all the New Bedford, State, and ATF investigators who have put a great deal of time and effort into this case. Although today is a well-earned win, there is more work to be done as this investigation continues and we continue to follow up on leads,” New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira said Sunday night.
Vasconcelos-Furtado is charged with shooting Det. Lavar Gilbert last Monday. Gilbert was conducting an undercover investigation and is assigned to the department’s Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau.
Vasconcelos-Furtado is charged with two counts of Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, two counts of Assault and Battery by Discharge of a Firearm, two counts of Wanton Destruction of Property Over $1,200, and one count each of Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon-Serious Bodily Injury, Carrying an Illegal Firearm and Carrying a Loaded Illegal Firearm.
He’s expected to be arraigned at New Bedford District Court today.
Bristol DA Thomas M. Quinn III called the alleged assault, “another senseless act of violence that could have cost the detective his life. The cooperation between all the agencies involved in this investigation has been outstanding.”
Gilbert was shot in the face a week ago while conducting an undercover investigation in the city’s Goulart Square neighborhood.
Remarkably, he was able to drive himself to the hospital.
During the stakeout, gunshots erupted at around 8:45 p.m. Monday, according to a police. One bullet shattered the vehicle’s window and struck Gilbert in his face.
Bristol DA Thomas M. Quinn III called the alleged assault, “another senseless act of violence that could have cost the detective his life. The cooperation between all the agencies involved in this investigation has been outstanding.”
— Developing