07/20/2026
*****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*****
Acushnet Police Arrest Suspect Following Stolen Vehicle Crash and Firearm Recovery
ACUSHNET, Mass. – July 20, 2026 –
The Acushnet Police Department arrested an 18-year-old New Bedford man following an early morning investigation into suspicious activity, a motor vehicle crash involving a stolen vehicle, and the recovery of a loaded stolen firearm.
At approximately 1:05 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, the Acushnet Police Department received a report of a male running through residential yards in the area of Slocum Street. The report came amid an ongoing investigation into a series of recent motor vehicle break-ins that have affected the center of Acushnet.
Officers searched the area but were initially unable to locate anyone acting suspiciously. Officer Colin Matton remained in the vicinity monitoring traffic near Slocum Street and South Main Street.
At approximately 1:46 a.m., Officer Matton heard a loud crash and responded to the intersection of South Main Street and Slocum Street, where he observed two heavily damaged vehicles. The preliminary investigation determined that a silver Hyundai sedan traveling east on Slocum Street failed to stop at a stop sign before colliding with a vehicle traveling south on South Main Street.
Officer Matton observed three individuals exit the Hyundai and flee the scene on foot while dressed in black clothing and wearing face masks. After requesting additional officers, he remained at the crash scene to provide medical assistance to the occupants of the second vehicle, who were later transported to St. Luke's Hospital for evaluation. With assistance from the Fairhaven Police Department and other surrounding agencies, officers established a perimeter in the area.
During the investigation, officers encountered Aaron Nunez, 18, of New Bedford, who matched the description of one of the individuals seen fleeing from the crash. Nunez told officers he had stopped running while heading toward New Bedford and returned to the scene.
During the perimeter search, officers recovered a bag containing a loaded stolen firearm. Investigators also determined that the Hyundai involved in the crash had been reported stolen from New Bedford.
Further investigation identified Nunez as the driver of the stolen Hyundai at the time of the collision and the individual in possession of the stolen firearm. He was arrested on multiple motor vehicle and fi****ms-related charges and transported to Third District Court for arraignment. Additional charges against other involved individuals are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Credit to Officer Matton, Officer A. Fontes and Officer Matias for a job well done!
The Acushnet Police Department reminds residents that many recent vehicle break-ins involved unlocked vehicles. Residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles at all times and avoid leaving keys, fi****ms, or valuables inside.
Media Contact:
Chief Gary S. Coppa
Acushnet Police Department
64 Middle Road
Acushnet, MA 02743
Phone: (508) 998-0240
