NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — A man arrested for allegedly having a stolen gun in New Bedford is now facing more serious charges.

Police believe 33-year-old Jose Mendez-Garcia is responsible for a shooting that sent a man to the hospital earlier this month.

Mendez-Garcia was arrested on July 10 by detectives conducting surveillance in the area of Acushnet Avenue and Nye Street. According to police, the detectives approached a group of men who were publicly drinking alcohol when Mendez-Garcia discarded a cross-body bag that he was wearing.

Police said they found a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition inside the bag and a loaded handgun nearby, which they later learned was stolen out of Taunton.

Mendez-Garcia was charged with carrying a loaded large-capacity firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, and possession of an open container of alcohol.

Following his arrest, a detective investigating a July 5 shooting on Roosevelt Street identified Mendez-Garcia as a suspect. As a result, police filed more charges against him including assault and battery by discharge of a firearm and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.

Anyone with information relevant to either investigation can submit an anonymous tip online or by calling (508) 99-CRIME.

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