A Clever Police Bluff Stops an Armed Fall River Suspect in His Tracks

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Fall River Police arrested a man Wednesday after he was allegedly in possession of a loaded and defaced firearm as well as crack cocaine.

CAST Detectives Spot Armed Suspect

Detectives from the Community Action and Suppression Team (CAST) were patrolling the area around Hartwell Street and Rodman Street on the afternoon of May 20 when they observed a man known to them, Jullianni Berrios, 22, who is the suspect in a firearms-related investigation.

“While being observed, (Berrios) was exhibiting signs and characteristics of being armed with a firearm,” police said. “(He) was wearing a cross-body purse and appeared to have an item consistent with a firearm. Detectives were already aware, and still confirmed anyway, that (Berrios) does not possess a license to carry a firearm.”

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Foot Chase and a Clever Police Bluff

Detectives stopped Berrios and removed his cross-body bag and conducted a pat frisk for weapons. However, as they removed the bag, Berrios ducked under the straps and attempted to flee on foot. He tried to run across Plymouth Avenue, but police said one of the detectives yelled out “I’ve got the dog!,” which then caused Berrios to stop, even though detectives did not have a K9 present.

Loaded Gun and Drugs Seized

A search of the bag turned up a Smith & Wesson M&P .40-caliber pistol with a defaced serial number and loaded with 10 rounds, as well as about 151 grams of suspected crack cocaine and over $1,000 in cash.

Berrios was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possessing a large capacity firearm, possessing a large capacity firearm in the commission of a felony, possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number during the commission of a felony, trafficking cocaine 100 grams or more, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.