Fall River man arrested for allegedly whipping dog, breaking into multiple restaurants

A Fall River man is facing several charges due to multiple incidents that took place in the city.

According to Det. Sergeant Moses Pereira, the Major Crimes Division had been investigating a recent series of breaks into businesses between September 20, 2024, and September 25, 2024.

During their investigation, 41-year-old Alexander Botelho was identified as the individual responsible for the breaks.

On Tuesday, Uniform Division Officers responded to a residence on Stafford Road regarding an
unwanted male. Upon arrival, officers observed Botelho engaged in a physical altercation with a male within the residence. Botelho sustained a cut to the bridge of his nose during that altercation.

Botelho was arrested at the scene for Animal Cruelty, after evidence was produced of him whipping a dog with a leash.

Based on the investigation completed by Major Crimes Detectives, he was also charged with 3 counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime and 3 counts of larceny from a building, in connection three recent business breaks, Dunkin Donuts Rhode Island Avenue (9/20/24), Dunkin Donuts Brayton Avenue (9/22/2024), and Golden Food Mart Rodman Street (09/24/2024).

Botelho also had an arrest warrant for shoplifting, larceny under $1200, and breaking and entering vehicle/boat daytime for felony.

In Fall River District Court on Wednesday, Botelho was held after not posting $500 cash bail.