Fall River Police Arrest Serial Break-In Suspect After He Allegedly Whips Dog

FALL RIVER (WBSM) — Fall River Police arrested a man for allegedly whipping a dog with a leash, and police said the man is also responsible for a series of recent break-ins to local businesses.

Police spokesperson Sgt. Moses Pereira said the Major Crimes Division had been investigating the recent break-ins and identified Alexander Botelho, 41, as the suspect in those crimes.

On October 1, officers responded to a residence on Stafford Road for a report of an unwanted man at that location.

“Upon arrival, officers observed Botelho engaged in a physical altercation with a male within the residence. Botelho sustained a cut to the bridge of his nose during that altercation,” Pereira said.

Get our free mobile app

He said Botelho was arrested at the scene on a charge of animal cruelty after evidence was produced of him allegedly whipping a dog with a leash.

The investigation into the break-ins also led to him being charged with three counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime, and three counts of larceny from a building.

The charges are in connection with a break-in on September 20 to the Dunkin’ on Rhode Island Avenue, the Dunkin’ on Brayton Avenue on September 22, and the Golden Food Mart on Rodman Street on September 24.

Pereira said Botelho also had an arrest warrant for shoplifting, larceny under $1,200, and breaking and entering vehicle/boat daytime for felony.