New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Two New Bedford teenagers were arrested for breaking into and vandalizing up to five properties to include the Buttonwood Park Zoo and the Buttonwood Senior Center. Both were released without bail by the judge.
18-year old Christopher Desousa and 19-year old Isaiah Malik Poindexter, both of New Bedford, were arrested on Dec. 17 in relation to a series of five break-ins in the Buttonwood Park area between Nov. 11 and Dec. 17.
Desousa and Poindexter were both charged with numerous counts of larceny, several counts of break and entry, multiple counts of property-related offenses, destruction of property, and vandalism as a result of the overnight breaks. Both were released without bail by Judge J. Harrington after arraignment at Third District Court on Dec. 17.
“I am disappointed in the quick release of these suspects, considering the spree of crime by the individuals, the victims they impacted, and the time and effort invested by our officers. I would imagine this is not comforting to the community and the officers that work so diligently to apprehend criminals and protect the community from victimization,” said Chief Joseph Cordeiro.
Cumulatively, the incidents resulted in the theft of more than $1,500, numerous electronics, and wrapped presents along with damaged property at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, Down to Earth, and the Buttonwood Senior Center.
After responding to an alarm at the New Bedford Senior Center at 1 Oneida St. on Dec. 17, Officers located two sets of fresh tracks in the snow heading south towards the woods at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Officers located three bags of presents upon following the tracks.
The tracks then continued up against the fence line heading west. At the same time, two males were located walking west on Hawthorn St. and based on Officers’ findings, Desousa and Poindexter were taken into custody. Officer Kyle King was the arresting officer.
If you have any information on criminal activity in your neighborhood, the New Bedford Police Dept. wants to hear from you. You can leave an anonymous tip on our voicemail at (508) 991-6300 Ext. 1.
