37-year-old Fall River woman arrested after break-in, money stolen, at city business

A Fall River woman has been arrested on multiple charges after a robbery at a city business.

According to Deputy Chief Barden Castro, on Friday just before 6:45 a.m., Fall River Police Officers responded to O’Reilly Auto Parts, 171 Rhode Island Ave., to speak with the manager of that business who reported that someone had stolen money from the safe. The manager related upon coming to work and preparing to open the business he discovered the safe room had been ransacked and that an undetermined amount of money had been stolen.

After an initial investigation by officers assigned to the Uniform Division, the case was assigned to Major Crimes Division Detective Luis Vertentes for follow-up. Patrol officers had interviewed various people and detectives began a canvas of the area. Using information from private and city surveillance cameras, Det. Vertentes was able to find a yet unidentified suspect who was allegedly responsible for the crime. After a review of all the available information, probable cause was developed which led to the arrest of 37-year-old Rosa Rodriguez Cruz.

As part of the investigation, a search warrant was served at Cruz’s residence for evidence which further linked her to the crime, according to Castro. During the search, detectives located an unsecured and unloaded polymer 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine for the firearm. It was determined that Cruz does not hold a license allowing her to possess a firearm or ammunition.

Rosa Rodriguez Cruz was placed under arrest. Charges will include breaking and entering, larceny, and firearms violation.