Investigation into 10 vehicle break-ins, other crimes, results in multiple arrests after police pursuit ends in Fall River

LAKEVILLE — Following an extensive investigation into a recent string of vehicle break-ins and subsequent pursuit, Lakeville Police report the arrest of two juveniles.

From May 28th to June 1st, Lakeville Police investigated a stolen motor vehicle incident and at least 10 motor vehicle break-ins occurring throughout the town.

A thorough investigation, led by Officer Alexander Malo, uncovered nine related incidents — a motor vehicle stolen from a Precinct Street home (later recovered in Halifax) and 10 vehicle break-ins on Riverside Drive, Harding Street, Barstow Street, Loon Pond Road, Fern Avenue, LeBaron Boulevard and Bunker Lane. All incidents remain under investigation.

The investigation led police to identify two local juveniles as suspects. Lakeville Police attempted to take the pair into custody at approximately 8:43 p.m., Monday, June 1, on Smith Circle. The suspects fled and were arrested following a pursuit that ended on Yellow Hill Road in Fall River.

Evidence in the car connected the pair to the previous break-ins and a motor vehicle reported stolen earlier that day.

One juvenile has been charged with:

• Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
• Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Failure to Stop for Police
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Speeding
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Stop Sign Violation 
• Possession of Burglarious Tools
• Use of a Motor Vehicle Without Authority

Charges are pending against the second juvenile.

The juveniles are believed to have been involved in incidents in other communities, including a stolen license plate investigation and two separate failure-to-stop incidents in Raynham, and a hit-and-run crash in Taunton.

“Multiple law enforcement agencies from across the region — including Freetown Police, Dartmouth Police and the Massachusetts State Police — were instrumental in assisting with the pursuit and safe apprehension of these two juveniles,” said Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins. “Cooperation across town and city lines makes each of our departments stronger.”

Officer Malo was the investigating and arresting officer.

Lakeville Police Department reminds residents to lock all vehicles, remove valuables from plain view, and immediately report any suspicious activity.

“The public’s help in cases like this cannot be overstated,” said Chief Perkins. “If you see something, please report it to Department as soon as possible.”

This investigation remains active and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Detective Division at 508-947-4422.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.