Arrest made in connection to shooting of New Bedford police detective last Monday

NEW BEDFORD — A 20-year-old New Bedford man was arrested this afternoon in connection with the shooting of a New Bedford police detective Lavar Gilbert last Monday.

New Bedford Police, with support from State Police detectives assigned to the DA's office, members of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, and ATF agents, arrested Cheybane Vasconcelos-Furtado this afternoon at a home on Worcester Street in New Bedford Sunday afternoon.

Suspect in New Bedford police shooting faces multiple counts

He is currently 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.

“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 in the press release. "We will not rest until each person connected with this shooting has taken a seat in our booking room.  Until that time, I remain grateful for the collaborative effort and encourage everyone to keep Det. Gilbert in their thoughts as he continues to heal.  I’d also like to acknowledge all of the resources provided by District Attorney Tom Quinn and the A.T.F.”

What happened with the shooting of the New Bedford police detective?

Detective Gilbert drove himself to St. Luke's Hospital in "miraculous" fashion after getting shot in the face Monday night while working undercover, Oliveira said at a press conference last week.

Gilbert, who is assigned to the “Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau,” was conducting surveillance while working undercover in the south end Monday night. At 8:45 p.m., he was in an unmarked vehicle in the area of the Rivet St./Orchard St. intersection when shots were suddenly fired.

When is the suspect being arraigned?

The defendant will be arraigned in New Bedford District Court Monday morning.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson.

The investigation into the shooting incident on Monday, July 17, remains extremely active and ongoing.  No further information about the facts of the case against the defendant can be disseminated prior to his arraignment in open court tomorrow.

"I am very pleased that an arrest has been made in another senseless act of violence that could have cost the detective his life," District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III said in the press release. "The cooperation between all the agencies involved in this investigation has been outstanding."

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Bedford police detective shooting suspect due in court Monday