New Bedford Man Found Dead After Gunfire Standoff With Police

The incident began around 7 p.m. on November 11, when a New Bedford detective tried to stop a red Jeep Cherokee near Potomska and South Front streets. The driver, later identified as Derek M. Rego, allegedly refused to stop and fired at the detective after pulling over near South First and Blackmer streets. The detective returned fire, officials said, and Rego drove on.

Rego left the vehicle near Blackmer and South Second streets, leaving a 3-year-old boy inside, then ran into a nearby apartment building. An officer recovered the child, who was taken to safety by city emergency medical personnel.

Police and state troopers surrounded the building and evacuated residents. During the standoff, Rego allegedly fired again toward officers from inside. A state trooper returned fire; authorities said the trooper’s shots did not hit Rego or anyone else. Officers attempted to communicate with him, and a regional SWAT team was called to the scene.

After officers heard another gunshot, a police drone entered the building and located Rego in a stairwell. The Bristol County district attorney’s office said he had an apparent bullet wound to his head and a firearm on his abdomen. Officials declared him dead at that location.

The district attorney’s office, Massachusetts State Police detectives and New Bedford police are investigating. Police Chief Jason Thody said officers’ actions saved lives.