An investigation is underway after an attempted traffic stop led to a standoff in New Bedford late Wednesday night.

 

Police said they tried to pull a car over in the area of Potomska and S Front streets around 7 p.m. when the driver refused to stop.

 

The driver eventually stopped, police said, and then shot at the officer, who returned fire.

 

Police said the suspect then drove to the area of Blackmer and S 2nd streets where they ran into a nearby residence, leaving a child behind in the car.

 

Additional New Bedford and Massachusetts State Police units were called to the scene and established a perimeter while residents in the area were evacuated.

 

“We heard like, three, you know, pops, like gunshots,” one witness told 12 News. “We hadn’t had anything like this for a while around here. It’s been quiet, so it’s kind of scary because you don’t know. I mean, you’re walking innocently and all of a sudden something like this happens.”

 

The suspect then fired multiple shots at officers from the second and/or third floor, according to police, and a state trooper returned fire.

 

Police said a short time later — with the area surrounded by New Bedford police, state police, and tactical teams — attempts to de-escalate the situation failed and then they heard a single gunshot inside the building.

 

After trying to make contact with the suspect again, they found him dead inside the residence.

 

“This incident highlights the danger our officers can be faced with in just a split second,” New Bedford Chief Jason Thody said. “There is no doubt that the bravery shown by the officers from New Bedford and across Southeastern Massachusetts saved lives this evening.”

 

See more at wpri.com.