Video: 3 Mass. Police Officers Struck by Fireworks Debris While Dispersing Crowd

A 19-year-old male faces multiple charges after fireworks exploded near New Bedford police clearing a crowd from a park, striking three officers with debris during a Cape Verdean Independence Day event.

Joe Vince

July 7, 2026

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Three New Bedford police officers were struck by debris from exploding fireworks while dispersing a crowd at a Fourth of July gathering in Montes Park, and body camera footage captured the incident.
Police arrested a 19-year-old man who faces multiple charges, including assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; additional arrests are expected.
Officers chased down and apprehended the suspect after two fireworks were thrown toward police, with one exploding after nearly striking three officers; no civilians were injured.

Three Massachusetts police officers were struck by debris from fireworks were breaking up a crowd at a park on the Fourth of July.

New Bedford police arrested a 19-year-old male in connection with the incident, WHDH-TV reports. He faces three counts of assault and battery on a police officer, as well as three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and other charges.

The incident happened at around 8:30 p.m. when officers were dispersing a crowd at Montes Park during the city's Cape Verdean Independence Day event, Police Chief Jason Thody told WHDH. Body camera footage captured the incident.

As police were moving the crowd out of the park, two fireworks were thrown in the direction of officers. One landed close to the officers, and the other exploded after nearly striking three officers.

"These fireworks spit out a large debris field of hot embers, so officers were struck, but all the officers are doing OK," Thody said.

Officers pursued the 19-year-old suspect on foot, and the footage shows them apprehending him.

No civilians were injured by the fireworks.

More arrests are expected stemming from the incident, according to police.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.