New Bedford Armed Robber Sentenced to Prison

A 26-year-old New Bedford man, who committed an armed robbery of a convenience store nearly two years ago, was sentenced to serve three to five years in state prison on Monday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Joshua Bishop pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court to a single-count indictment, charging him with Armed Robbery While Masked.

On March 23, 2019, the defendant entered the Shop Smart on Ashley Boulevard at 1:25PM.  He was wearing a red-material with blue markings over his face and nose. The defendant approached the register, brandished a knife, and demanded money from the cashier. The cashier recognized the defendant as “Josh,” who regularly frequents the store. The defendant then fled the store after stealing about $300 in cash.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding New Bedford Police officers met with a third party, who was talking with the victim. The third party stated he had observed the defendant fleeing the store.  Police dispatch then sent a text message to the responding officer containing a photo of the suspect.  The victim immediately recognized the man in the photo by saying, “that’s him.” 

He was arrested in October, 2019 on a warrant on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney William Flynn and the state prison term was imposed by Judge Sharon Donatelle.

“The defendant committed a very serious crime against a innocent person just trying to make a living. The sentence holds him accountable,” District Attorney Quinn said.

Contact:

Gregg Miliote

Director of Communications

774-292-9576