Wanted Expat from New Bedford Arrested at Logan Airport

NEW BEDFORD — A former New Bedford man who fled to England and defaulted on warrants has been arrested after returning to the United States.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office says John Walker, 34, formerly of New Bedford, was arrested by members of the Bristol County District Attorney's State Police Unit at Logan International Airport in late February after he returned to Boston from London. Prosecutors say Walker had open arrest warrants for six counts of violating a restraining order and one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was arrested on February 23.

On May 21, 2017, Walker allegedly sprayed mace on his uncle's face in Dartmouth. Walker's uncle filed a restraining order against him immediately following the incident.

In January of 2018, while the charge against Walker of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon was in the pretrial stages, Walker defaulted and fled to England.

Prosecutors say while in England, Walker violated the restraining order by sending a number of texts to his uncle, some of which contained threats.

Walker appeared in New Bedford District Court on February 25 where he was ordered to undergo a mental health and competency evaluation at a secure facility. Walker is scheduled to return to court on March 14 for a dangerousness hearing.

“This is a great example of various agencies working together to apprehend a fugitive who had skipped court and fled the country,” District Attorney Thomas Quinn III said.  “I would like to thank the United Kingdom’s Custom and Border Patrol for alerting us to the defendant’s presence on the flight, the US Customs and Border Protection officers who processed the defendant once he arrived back in the United States and our State Police Unit for their work on this case.”