FALL RIVER — An 18-year-old New Bedford man charged with shooting New Bedford Detective Lavar Gilbert in the face last summer was held without bail following arraignment in Bristol County Superior Court on Thursday.
Assistant Bristol County District Attorney Shawn Guilderson asked that defendant Denzel Gomes be held without bail, saying he was a danger to the community and a flight risk.
Gomes is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury; assault and battery with a firearm; two counts of attempted assault and battery with a firearm; and carrying a firearm without a license.
Guilderson said Gomes had flown to Senegal at one point to avoid prosecution. Senegal has no extradition treaty with the United States.
He requested a dangerousness hearing be held so that Gomes can continue to be held without bail.
Guilderson said the shooting occurred on the night of July 17, 2023, at about 8:28 p.m. in New Bedford’s south end at Orchard and Rivet streets.