2024-01-01 01:35:47
Former Acting New Bedford Fire Chief Shot and Killed by Police in Fairhaven Bar Fight
New York: A tragic incident unfolded in Fairhaven on Friday evening, as a former acting New Bedford fire chief was shot and killed by a police officer following a fight at a local bar.
Paul Coder, 55, of Dartmouth, was shot outside the Bayside Lounge in Fairhaven around 5 p.m. during a standoff with police, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Qin III confirmed.
According to a preliminary investigation, Coder had been drinking with friends for several hours before getting into a physical altercation at the bar. He then attempted to enter a vehicle, prompting another individual to intervene and prevent him from driving.
When police arrived at the scene, Coder reportedly threatened officers with a gun. Despite multiple attempts to subdue him using non-lethal measures, including a Taser, police ultimately resorted to lethal force, resulting in Coder’s death.
Amidst the chaos, a police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The injured officer was swiftly transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he received treatment and was ultimately released.
Addressing the media, District Attorney Qin emphasized the inherent risks officers face when responding to such volatile situations. “I would say it highlights the dangers that police officers face every day when responding to these types of situations, particularly the potential for violence,” said Qin. “Owning personal firearms certainly puts their lives at risk.”
New Bedford Mayor John Mitchell also weighed in on the incident, underscoring the broader issue of gun violence. “These situations that the police are facing are increasing. There are too many guns on the streets,” said Mayor Mitchell in a social media post. “The fatal shooting in Fairhaven this evening was tragic in every way. The injured officer will make a full recovery, and I’m relieved that no one else was seriously injured.”
It was revealed that Coderre had been ousted as acting fire chief in January 2022 due to accusations of abusing the fire department’s leave policy and dishonesty in the performance of his duties.
As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event that claimed the life of an individual and left a law enforcement officer injured.
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