Burglary Suspects Arrested in Freetown

The four suspects were arrested and charged with burglary, conspiracy, and larceny.

On Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 9:30 pm, Freetown Patrolman Thomas Ashley responded to a burglar alarm at a Weetamoe Drive residence. As he arrived on scene he observed two suspects inside the home. As Ashley approached, the suspects fled from the rear of the home. Police observed that the house had been broken into and that four sets of footprints had been left near a rear door by the fleeing suspects.

Sergeant Scott Rose, accompanied by Patrolman Kara Pigeon, arrived on scene. Police confirmed that the house had been broken into and observed that four sets of footprints had been left near a rear door by the fleeing suspects. The homeowners were away at the time of the break. Police began a search of the area assisted by Berkley and Lakeville police officers. The Massachusetts state police provided K-9 units and a helicopter. Area residents assisted by calling the police department to report suspicious persons on their property.

Four suspects were apprehended. Police recovered stolen articles, including a watch in the possession of one of the suspects. The vehicle used by the suspects was located. A search by Sgt. Edward Dwyer and Patrolman Thomas Long yielded gloves matching those found near the crime scene and items commonly used during burglaries.

Arrested and charged with burglary, conspiracy, and larceny were:

Magda A. Pereira, age 22 of Fall River
Ann M. Madeira, age 25 of Fall River
Jimmy M. Dacruz, age 23 of New Bedford
Brett .TJ. Fortes, age 26 of New Bedford

The suspects were transported to the Bristol County House of Correction and will be arraigned on Monday morning at the Fall River Justice Center.

Freetown Chief of Police Carlton Abbott thanked residents for their assistance. He also praised the work of the officers and inter-agency cooperation.