Arrests Made in Fall River Drive-By Shootings, Armed Robbery

FALL RIVER — Fall River Police made four arrests related to two drive-by shootings and an armed robbery, which were "targeted acts of violence."

On Friday, June 22 at approximately 2:09 a.m., police were dispatched to the 100 block of Pine Street near North Main Street in regards to a "shots fired" call.

A 29-year-old female stated she had been shot in the foot. A 42-year-old female was also shot in the foot as well, and a 22-year-old male had been struck in the shin.

Witnesses stated friends had gathered outside on the sidewalk and were having a good time, when they heard the sound of a car driving by followed by the sound of gunshots. The vehicle was described as a small, compact four-door sedan.

On Wednesday, June 27 at approximately 2 a.m., an armed robbery occurred near the parking lot of Save-A-Lot on Griffin Street. A 34-year-old female stated to Detective Richard Aguiar that cash was taken from her when a male pointed a handgun at her head. The female gave a description of the suspects and vehicle.

Also on June 27, at approximately 2:30 a.m., a drive-by shooting occurred on Water Street, with a shot fired toward an occupied vehicle. The 24-year-old male victim gave a description of the vehicle and the suspects. While securing the scene for evidence collection, Sergeant Kevin Dolan observed a similar vehicle pass by. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled from the area, eventually crashing in the area of Queen and Bay Streets.

As a result of the crash, uniformed officers were able to chase down and apprehend two suspects in the rear yards. Darius Seldon, 19, was apprehended by Officers Bruce Oliveira and Marc Correia, while 22-year-old Kelvin Manual Cruz was apprehended by Officers Derek Oagles and David St. Laurent. Through follow-up interviews conducted by Detectives John McDonald and Richard Aguiar, and canvassing the area, the firearm used in the armed robbery and the Water Street shooting was located on Ferry Street.

With information obtained from interviews and canvassing, Detective Dwaine Cabeceiras was able to obtain a search warrant for a Locust Street apartment. Upon execution of the warrant, and with the assistance of the Special Operations Division, Detective Cabeceiras was able to secure the firearm used in the June 22 shooting on Pine Street.

Further investigation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Joseph Dearth, 25-year-old Tanisha Ibay, and 23-year-old Zachary Kelly for their involvement with the June 22 shooting on Pine Street. Cruz is charged with the armed robbery and the June 27 Water Street shooting.

Two firearms were also seized.

Kelvin Manual Cruz, 22, of 175 Hamlet Street, Fall River, is charged with armed robbery; assault to murder-firearm armed; possession of a firearm without a license to carry; numerous other firearms and motor vehicle-related offenses; and disorderly conduct.

Darius Seldon, 19, of 255 Danforth Street in Fall River is charged with disorderly conduct.

Tanisha Ibay, 25, of 52 Meadow Street in Fall River was arrested on warrants related to armed assault in a dwelling, as well as vandalizing property.

Joseph W. Dearth, age 26, or 135 Chancery Street in New Bedford is charged with possession of a firearm without an FID card; possession of ammunition without an FID card; and numerous warrants for possession of Class A, Class B and Class C drugs.

Zachery J. Kelly, age 23, of 168 Almond Street in Fall River is charged with armed assault with intent to murder; assault and battery by discharging a firearm; possession of a large capacity firearm; and numerous other firearms-related offenses.

The incidents remain under investigation. Anyone with any additional information is asked to contact the Fall River Police Major Crimes Division at (508) 324-2796, or the anonymous TIPS line at (508) 672-TIPS (8477).

--Fall River Police