Fall River Police arrest two, one for 14 city break-ins

Fall River Police have made an arrest in a series of business break-ins in the city.

Over the past two weeks, there have been numerous business breaks in the City of Fall River. The suspect(s) continuously targeted small businesses, mostly located in the south-end of the city. Countless hours of surveillance operations were conducted by detectives along with around the clock business checks by patrol officers. These surveillance operations ultimately led to the arrests of two individuals, Michael Oliveira and Andrew Mendonca.

According to Sergeant Joseph Galvao, on March 26th, the Fall River Police Department executed a search warrant at 239 Glasgow Street Apartment 12. Members of the Major Crimes Division, Vice & Intelligence Unit, Emergency Services Unit (E.S.U.), Crime Scene Unit, Special Operations Division and Uniform Division all assisted in the execution of the search warrant, ultimately resulting in the apprehension of Oliveira, 46, and Mendonca, 31.

In addition, evidence related to the business break-ins was discovered inside the apartment allegedly tying Oliveira to the 14 break-ins.

Interim Chief of Police, Charles J. Cullen issued a statement concerning the arrests.

“I would like the citizens of Fall River to know the Fall River Police Department arrested two business break suspects as the result of an intensive investigation. One suspect is directly responsible for fourteen breaks over the last two weeks. I recognized the efforts of Detective Captain Michael Duarte, Major Crimes Division Commander, for coordinating the investigation, also his lead investigator Detective Luis Vertentes. This case demonstrates the excellent teamwork of the Major Crimes Division, Special Operations Division, Uniform Division, Vice and Intelligence Unit, Emergency Services Unit, and Crime Scene Unit with providing public safety for our residents. This investigation also benefited from the recent business assistance grant we received with the assistance of State Representative Carole Fiola.”

Oliveira was charged on 14 counts of B & E into a building nighttime for a Felony, 12 counts of Larceny From a Building, 4 counts of Vandalize Property, 3 counts of Receiving Stolen Motor Vehicle, Subsequent Offense, Break Into A Depository, and Attempted Break Into A Depository.

Mendonca was charged on 2 counts of B & E into a building nighttime for a Felony and 2 counts of Larceny From a Building.