Man who allegedly shot Massachusetts police detective in face arrested at Logan Airport
BOSTON – A man who is accused of shooting an undercover New Bedford detective in the face last summer was arrested at Logan Airport.
Eighteen-year-old Denzel Gomes was taken into custody Wednesday as he arrived on a plane from Portugal.
Gomes was arraigned Thursday. A judge ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on February 27.
Gomes allegedly shot veteran police detective Lavar Gilbert in the face last July while he was sitting in an unmarked car.
Investigators said at the time that the shooting appeared to be a random act.
Prosecutors said in court that the night of the shooting Gomes aimed at a group of 6-7 people who were standing on a street corner near where Gilbert was parked while doing surveillance.
Following the shooting, Gilbert was able to drive himself to the hospital. He remained hospitalized for several days before he was released.
Another person who was in the area was shot in the foot.
Gomes was indicted by a grand jury, but police said he fled the country. He allegedly flew out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Senegal in September. The United States does not have an extradition agreement with Senegal.
Massachusetts State Police said that after working with international law enforcement, they learned that Gomes was flying back to Boston.
Gomes faces several charges that include armed assault with intent to murder. He pleaded not guilty.