The City of New Bedford Police Department announced the arrest of a known violent offender caught with an illegal firearm and drugs during an operation targeting narcotics sales. Keeland Rose, 31, was apprehended on Tuesday after detectives saw him behaving suspiciously in an alleyway on Clark Street, as stated in a social media post by the department.
Upon their search, detectives found Rose in possession of a High Standard .22 revolver, additional ammunition, and quantities of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. As a convicted felon previously involved in a homicide, having been caught with a firearm is particularly concerning for law enforcement. Rose, residing at 461 Maxfield Street, has a lengthy criminal history, including a conviction for being an accessory after the fact to murder in 2017 and another felony conviction for firearm possession in 2022.
Chief Paul Oliveira expressed frustration with the repeat offender's presence on the streets. "We have an individual here who was already convicted for his involvement in a homicide. He is released, caught with a gun, served time again, and is now back on our streets — once more armed. This is exactly the kind of repeat offender the system should ensure remains behind bars," he stated in the City of New Bedford Police Department post. Rose's record includes the dismissal of 22 charges over the past 15 years, which Chief Oliveira believes contributed to the challenge of keeping him incarcerated for more substantial periods.
The arrest was conducted by Officer Robert Green, and Rose is facing multiple charges, including trespassing, carrying a knife with a blade over 2.5 inches, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and methamphetamine. The community, invited to share any relevant information, can do so anonymously by calling 508-99-CRIME or visiting the police department's website.
