Leah Comins

Fairhaven Police Investigating Rollover Crash

November 3, 2023 by Leah Comins

FAIRHAVEN — Lt. Kevin Kobza reports that the Fairhaven Police Department is investigating a rollover motor vehicle crash that occurred Thursday night.

On Thursday, Nov. 2 just after 8 p.m., Fairhaven Police and Fire-EMS responded to the area of Main Street and North Street for a rollover crash.

Upon arrival, first responders located a 2003 Cadillac DeVille resting on its side. The operator and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 32-year-old New Bedford man, was treated at the scene by Fairhaven Fire paramedics and transported by ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital.

An initial investigation indicates that the operator of the Cadillac lost control of the vehicle and swerved, striking a curb. The vehicle then struck the rear of a 2015 Hyundai Sonata, struck a utility pole and rolled onto its side.

The two adult occupants of the Hyundai did not report injuries and declined transportation to the hospital.

The crash remains under investigation by the Fairhaven Police Department.

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Fairhaven Police Arrest Man Following Alleged Assault Monday Night

March 21, 2023 by Leah Comins

ROBERT McWILLIAMS, AGE 45, was arrested by Fairhaven Police on multiple charges following an alleged assault Monday night. (Photo courtesy Fairhaven Police Department)

FAIRHAVEN — The Fairhaven Police Department reports that a man was arrested on multiple charges following an alleged assault Monday night.

ROBERT McWILLIAMS, AGE 45, whose last known address was in NEW BEDFORD, was arrested and charged with:

Assault and Battery
Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Intimidation of a Witness
Assault with Intent to Kill

On Monday, March 20 at approximately 8:15 p.m., Fairhaven Police received a report of a suspicious person in the area of Long Road.

Upon arrival, officers found a woman suffering from burns on her upper body. The victim told officers that she was attacked by a person she knew, and was thrown into a campfire and held there. The woman was able to escape to get help.

The victim was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. Her current condition is unknown.

A subsequent investigation resulted in the identification of McWILLIAMS as the suspect. Using both patrol units and the Fairhaven Police Drone Unit, officers located McWILLIAMS in a wooded area nearby, which was where the alleged assault had occurred. He was arrested without incident.

McWILLIAMS was arraigned Tuesday in New Bedford District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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Fairhaven Police Department Arrests Man on Multiple Charges Following Reported Altercation at Local Store

March 15, 2023 by Leah Comins

BRANDIN GONSALVES, AGE 22, OF NEW BEDFORD, was arrested by the Fairhaven Police Department following an incident on Tuesday, March 14. (Photo courtesy Fairhaven Police)

FAIRHAVEN — Lt. Kevin Kobza reports that the Fairhaven Police Department arrested and charged a man following a report of a fight at a local store Tuesday night.

BRANDIN GONSALVES, AGE 22, OF NEW BEDFORD, was arrested and charged with:

Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon
Possession of Ammunition without a License
Carrying a Firearm without a License
Assault with Intent to Kill

On Tuesday, March 14, just after 11 p.m., Fairhaven Police responded to the local Walmart, 42 Fairhaven Commons Way, for a report of a fight.

During an initial on-scene investigation, police learned that one of the individuals involved in the altercation, later identified as GONSALVES, allegedly produced a firearm and struck another individual with the weapon.

The altercation was reported to have taken place in the lobby of the store, and police located three unspent 9mm rounds of ammunition. A 9mm magazine loaded with additional rounds of ammunition was also recovered near the scene. GONSALVES does not possess a License to Carry in Massachusetts.

The victim who was allegedly struck was transported to an area hospital where they were treated and released.

At this time, police are unable to confirm that any rounds were fired, and the incident remains under investigation.

Fairhaven Police were assisted at the scene by Massachusetts State Police and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units.

GONSALVES is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in New Bedford District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

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UPDATE – FOUND Fairhaven Police Report Missing Woman Found Safe

March 7, 2023 by Leah Comins

FAIRHAVEN — Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers, who activated the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Search and Rescue Unit, reports that the woman who was reported missing on Monday morning, March 6 has been found safe.

At approximately 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, the 43-year-old woman was located by first responders near the hurricane barrier just west of Egypt Lane in Fairhaven.

The woman was evaluated by EMS on scene and taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

The Fairhaven Police Department would like to thank the many public safety partners from around the region who assisted in searching Monday and Tuesday, as well as members of the public who helped to share the information.

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UPDATED Fairhaven Police Seeking to Identify Person of Interest in Reported Boat Theft

June 13, 2022 by Leah Comins

FAIRHAVEN — Lt. Kevin Kobza reports that the Fairhaven Police Department is looking to identify a person of interest in a reported boat theft.

Police were initially engaged in a water search for what they believed this morning was a missing boater after a boat washed ashore and there were signs that the boat had been recently occupied.

They later received information that the boat had been reported stolen out of New Bedford, and police are now seeking a person of interest who had been aboard the boat. That person was subsequently seen in surveillance footage in Fairhaven and the missing boater search was called off around 1:30 p.m. today.

At approximately 6:45 a.m. Monday, a sailboat was discovered washed ashore unoccupied on the south side of the West Island Town Beach. The boat, a 24-foot sailboat, was later reported stolen from Community Boat in New Bedford, and is believed to have been stolen Sunday night around 8 p.m.

Investigators are seeking to identify and speak to a person of interest seen in surveillance footage obtained by police.

When it was believed there was a missing boater, land and sea assets were utilized in a search of the immediate area, including the Fairhaven, New Bedford and Mattapoisett Police Departments, and the U.S. Coast Guard with help from the Fairhaven Harbormaster and Fairhaven Fire Department, the SEMLEC Search & Rescue Team and the Mattapoisett and Marion Harbormasters. The search was called off this afternoon after police gathered more information in their investigation about the person of interest.

“We are seeking a person of interest who not only may have stolen a sailboat and ran it aground, but who in doing so caused a massive response of police, fire and maritime resources,” Lt. Kobza said.

A photo of the boat and person of interest are provided. Anyone who may be able to identify the person or provide any additional information is urged to contact Fairhaven Police at 508-997-7421.

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