Nearly Two Dozen Vehicles Vandalized in New Bedford, Three Males Arrested

NEW BEDFORD - Three city residents, two of them teenagers, have been arrested in connection with a string of vandalism that damaged at least 23 vehicles.

New Bedford Police officers responded to the area of Caroll and Brigham Streets near St. Luke's Hospital around 1 a.m. Monday morning to a report of males keying parked cars. Witnesses provided detailed descriptions of the suspects to police, who established a perimeter around the neighborhood and arrested the trio after a brief foot chase.

Police say 20-year-old Nicholas Botelho and two 14-year-old male juveniles, all from New Bedford, face 23 counts each of malicious destruction of property over $250. Police say additional charges may be forthcoming if more damaged vehicles are discovered.