Fall River Police Capture Norwood Man Suspected of Assault, Shooting

FALL RIVER — Police in Fall River have captured a Norwood man suspected of hitting a person with a firearm and then firing at the alleged victim's car in the city on Wednesday night.

Earlier on Thursday, police had issued a warning that 35-year-old Eric Espinal should be considered armed and dangerous and asking residents to contact authorities with any information.

But police said later that day they received information that the suspect, whom they called a "dangerous fugitive," would be returning to Fall River in the evening.

Espinal was wanted on a variety of charges — including armed assault to murder — in connection to an incident in which officers were called to the 200 block of Ridge Street at around 8:11 p.m. Wednesday for a report of gunfire.

According to police, an investigation found that Espinal had allegedly beat someone with a pistol during an argument on the street, before firing two shots at them and hitting the alleged victim's car.

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The department's Emergency Services Unit entered a multi-family Ridge Street home on the belief that Espinal was inside a first floor apartment, according to police.

After a sweep of each floor, police determined that the suspect had fled prior to their arrival and a warrant was issued for his arrest advising that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Fall River police issued a warrant for Espinal's arrest on Thursday morning for a variety of felony charges, including (but not limited to) armed assault to murder, carrying a firearm without a license (third offense), and attempting to commit assault and battery by discharging a firearm.

Later on Thursday, vice and gang unit detectives set up surveillance along with patrol officers in the area they expected Espinal to arrive.

The suspect was spotted in a vehicle at around 9:43 p.m., according to police, and fled on foot when he realized officers were closing in.

He was taken into custody in the 500 block of Williams Street after a foot chase through the neighborhood, police said.

Espinal is expected to be arraigned Friday in Fall River.

Police thanked the community for providing information leading to Espinal's capture.