NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Police say footprints in freshly-fallen snow led patrol officers to arrest two men in connection with a series of five breaks in the Buttonwood Park area between November 11 and December 17.

Police arrested Christopher Desousa, 18, and Isaiah Malik Poindexter, 19, both of New Bedford, and charged with numerous counts of larceny, several counts of break and entry, multiple counts of property-related offenses, destruction of property and vandalism as a result of the overnight breaks.

According to police, both men were released without bail by Judge J. Harrington after arraignment at Third District Court on Dec. 17.

“I am disappointed in the quick release of these suspects, considering the spree of crime by the individuals, the victims they impacted, and the time and effort invested by our officers. I would imagine this is not comforting to the community and the officers that work so diligently to apprehend criminals and protect the community from victimization,” said Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro.

Police say that cumulatively, the incidents resulted in the theft of more than $1,500, numerous electronics, and wrapped presents along with damaged property at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, Down to Earth, and the Buttonwood Senior Center.

After responding to an alarm at the New Bedford Senior Center at 1 Oneida St. on Dec. 17, police say officers located two sets of fresh tracks in the snow heading south towards the woods at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Officers located three bags of presents upon following the tracks.

The tracks then continued up against the fence line heading west. At the same time, two males were located walking west on Hawthorn Street, and based on officers’ findings, Desousa and Poindexter were taken into custody. Officer Kyle King was the arresting officer.

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