NEW BEDFORD, Mass.- Two teens were charged following an attempted Kia theft in New Bedford that escalated into a foot pursuit and the seizure of a loaded handgun, according to police.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, just before 9 p.m., when officers responded to Arnold Street after a report that two juveniles attempted to steal a white Kia by smashing a window and damaging the steering column, according to the New Bedford Police Department. The suspects fled on foot toward Union and Jonathan Streets before officers arrived.
Police said officers later located two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions near Jonathan Street during a search of the area. When the individuals saw a police cruiser, they fled toward Court Street and were later observed exiting a yard near Court and Reed Streets.
An officer issued verbal commands for both individuals to stop. According to police, one juvenile was observed repeatedly reaching toward his waistband during the encounter. The officer drew a department-issued taser and, according to police, detained both individuals until additional units arrived.
Police said a pat frisk was conducted, during which officers seized a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson SD9 handgun containing four rounds of ammunition from one juvenile’s waistband. Officers also seized a screwdriver that police said they believe was used in the attempted vehicle theft.
Both juveniles were charged with malicious damage to a motor vehicle, possession of a burglarious instrument, and breaking and entering into a vehicle at nighttime. One juvenile also faces additional charges of carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without an FID card.
Both were transported to the Brockton Detention Center, according to police.
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