New Bedford Shooting: Two 17-Year-Olds Arrested After West End Gunfire, Police Recover Firearms and 3D-Printed Gun Evidence

NEW BEDFORD, Massachusetts — A shooting investigation in New Bedford’s West End resulted in the arrest of two 17-year-old boys after police said they allegedly fired at a person near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Willis Street. The September 9, 2026, incident prompted an investigation that uncovered firearms, ammunition and equipment believed to be connected to the shooting.

According to police reports, officers responded to the area at approximately 3:30 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Investigators subsequently located spent shell casings and discovered damage to several nearby homes.

Although shots were reportedly fired at an intended victim, authorities said the person was not injured.

The incident raised concerns about gun violence and public safety in the West End neighborhood.

What Happened in the New Bedford Shooting?

The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon, September 9, near Chestnut Street and Willis Street in New Bedford.

When officers arrived, they began examining the area for evidence. Their initial investigation uncovered spent shell casings and property damage to several nearby houses.

Police learned that two masked individuals had allegedly been seen in the area firing shots at another person before leaving the scene.

Detectives subsequently tracked the two suspects to a nearby residence, where they were located and taken into custody.

Two 17-Year-Old Suspects Arrested

New Bedford police confirmed that two 17-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the West End shooting.

During a subsequent investigation at the residence, detectives reportedly recovered two firearms believed to have been used in the incident.

Additional evidence included:

• Two firearms believed to be connected to the shooting.

• Ammunition.

• Clothing allegedly associated with the suspects.

• Masks.

• A 3D printer.

• A handgun frame that investigators believed had been manufactured using the printer.

The discovery of the 3D printer and suspected homemade firearm component added another dimension to the investigation.

Authorities have not publicly identified the juveniles because of their ages.

Criminal Charges Following the Investigation

Both teenagers face multiple charges connected to the shooting.

The reported charges include:

• Assault with intent to murder.

• Carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

• Intentional discharge of a firearm near a building, causing property damage.

One of the teenagers also faces an additional charge related to manufacturing a firearm using a 3D printer.

The allegations remain subject to the judicial process, and the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Police Investigation and Community Safety

The shooting has highlighted concerns about firearm-related incidents and neighborhood safety in New Bedford.

Although nobody was reportedly injured in this particular incident, gunfire in residential areas can create serious risks for residents, pedestrians and motorists.

The discovery of bullet casings and damage to nearby homes demonstrated the potential danger posed by the incident.

Police investigations of this nature typically involve collecting physical evidence, interviewing witnesses and examining information that could help establish what happened before, during and after the shooting.

Residents with relevant information may assist investigators by reporting what they witnessed.

Is the New Bedford Shooting Investigation Still Ongoing?

The September 9 shooting resulted in two arrests, with detectives recovering firearms and other evidence from a nearby residence.

However, additional information about the investigation, potential court proceedings and the suspects’ legal status should be confirmed through subsequent official announcements.

There has been no independently verified information in the available reports establishing a separate shooting in New Bedford on November 12, 2026. Readers should distinguish this September incident from any newer reports circulating online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where did the New Bedford shooting happen?

The shooting occurred near the intersection of Chestnut Street and Willis Street in the West End neighborhood of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

2. When did the New Bedford shooting happen?

The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

3. Were there any injuries?

Police reported that the intended victim was not injured.

4. Were any suspects arrested?

Yes. Two 17-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the shooting.

5. What did police recover during the investigation?

Detectives reportedly recovered two firearms, ammunition, masks, clothing, a 3D printer and a suspected 3D-printed handgun frame.

6. What charges do the suspects face?

The reported charges include assault with intent to murder, carrying a loaded firearm without a license and intentional discharge of a firearm near a building causing property damage. One suspect faces an additional firearm-manufacturing charge.

7. Has another New Bedford shooting been confirmed for November 12, 2026?

The available reports reviewed for this article do not establish a separate shooting on November 12. Any newer incident requires confirmation from local authorities.

Latest Updates on the New Bedford Shooting

The September 9 West End shooting resulted in two juvenile arrests and the recovery of multiple pieces of firearm-related evidence. While the intended victim escaped physical injury, the incident remains a significant public safety concern.

Further developments involving court proceedings, additional evidence or official police statements may provide more information about the case.

This article is based on reporting about the September 9, 2026, incident. It should not be interpreted as confirmation of a new shooting today.