Two men arrested in New Bedford on kidnapping and child endangerment charges

Officer James Sullivan received a report on June 22nd at around 2:30 AM from a victim who had a close encounter with two suspects carrying firearms, nearly resulting in her car being stolen. The incident took place at a gas station near the intersection of Acushnet Ave. and Phillips Rd. The victim’s car was parked near the fuel pump when another vehicle pulled up next to it. A suspect from the rear of that vehicle got out and attempted to open her door. The victim shouted at the male suspect, causing him to retreat into the vehicle, which quickly fled the parking lot.

Immediately thereafter, the suspect vehicle blocked the victim’s vehicle while it was waiting at a red light. The two suspects then began yelling at the victim while brandishing firearms. Frightened, she then fled the scene and drove quickly to Station #3 where she relayed the events to Ofc. Sullivan.

Shortly thereafter, Ofc. Sullivan spotted the suspect vehicle parked in the area of the Satellite Village housing development. With the assistance of fellow patrol officers, the vehicle was approached. Two adult males and one juvenile female were removed from the auto. The males were identified as FABIO DA SILVEIRA, 21, out of Providence, RI, and MUHAMMED ABDUR-RAZZAK, 22, out of Pawtucket, RI. The vehicle was found to have been stolen nearly a week earlier in New Bedford and bore an illegally attached plate. Additional plates were found in the vehicle.

In speaking with the juvenile female, it soon became clear that she had been held against her will by FABIO who had reportedly struck her multiple times in the face and even threatened to cut her fingers off. The juvenile was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Both males were taken into custody. FABIO is now charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping, reckless endangerment to a child, threats to commit a crime, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and other traffic offenses. ABDUR-RAZZAK is charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle and assault with a dangerous weapon.

“I want to commend Officer Sullivan and his fellow patrol officers for their swift and decisive actions in apprehending the suspects involved in this harrowing incident,” said New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira. “Their vigilance and professionalism resulted in the rescue of a young female victim from a truly dangerous situation. Their efforts exemplify the commitment of our police officers to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.”