FAIRHAVEN — Chief Michael Myers is pleased to share that the Fairhaven Police Department received a $193,145 grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration as part of the FY25 Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) Grant Program.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $3 million in grant funds to 32 local police departments to implement or expand body-worn camera programs.

The BWC Grant Program supports municipal police departments in planning and implementing a new BWC program or expanding an existing BWC program to improve officer and community safety.

Wearing body cameras demonstrates departments’ commitment to transparency and accountability and helps improve policing practices so that officers may better serve their communities.

Research done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggests that implementing BWCs has led to reductions in crime, police-generated incidents, assaults against police officers, and complaints against police officers in certain communities.

It is estimated that the grants will support more than 1,200 officers.

“We want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support,” said Chief Myers. “This grant will be extremely helpful in allowing us to continue effectively to serve our community.”

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FAIRHAVEN— Lieutenant Kevin Kobza reports that the Fairhaven Police Department arrested two individuals on drug and assault charges on Monday afternoon.

JAMES WILLIAMS, AGE 40, OF LAKEVILLE, was arrested and charged with:

• Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License

RYAN REYNOLDS, AGE 43, OF ACUSHNET, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking Cocaine
• Trafficking Fentanyl
• Distribution of a Class A Substance (Fentanyl)

On Monday, July 16 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Fairhaven detectives observed what they believed was a hand-to-hand drug transaction in the parking lot of the Seaport Resort & Marina on Middle Street in Fairhaven.

REYNOLDS was in WILLIAMS‘ vehicle, a white Toyota Rav 4. When officers approached the subjects, REYNOLDS exited WILLIAMS‘ vehicle and was apprehended by Fairhaven police.

WILLIAMS allegedly attempted to flee from the scene in the vehicle, driving aggressively towards a detective. WILLIAMS proceeded to speed into the rear section of the Middle Street parking lot where he was subsequently apprehended.

Detectives seized over 28 grams of cocaine, more than 15 grams of fentanyl and over $900 in cash.

REYNOLDS and WILLIAMS were arraigned in New Bedford District court Tuesday morning.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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FAIRHAVEN — The Fairhaven Police Department reports that a 55-year-old New Bedford man was arrested and charged with carrying a firearm without a license and additional charges on Friday.

CARLOS BRITO, AGE 55, OF NEW BEDFORD, was arrested and charged with:

• Carrying a Firearm Without a License
• Receiving Stolen Property Under $1,200
• Number Plate Violation To Conceal Identity of Vehicle
• Possession of Ammunition Without an FID
• Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device

On Friday, Feb. 2, at approximately 9 a.m., the Fairhaven Police Department was called to the area of Green and Cedar streets for a report of a suspicious person who was wearing rubber gloves and placing pantyhose over his head.

Officers responded and located that individual, later identified as BRITO, in a parked Honda Accord that had stolen registration plates.

An on-scene investigation located a loaded, 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat of the Accord, and zip ties, duct tape, latex gloves, plastic bags, and a pillow elsewhere in the vehicle.

BRITO, who does not have a firearms license, was arrested at the scene.

BRITO was arraigned Friday in New Bedford District Court, where he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing that is scheduled for next week.

Fairhaven Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call detectives at 508-997-7421.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.