For Immediate Release

Monday, May 7, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Fairhaven Police Arrest Hit and Run Driver

FAIRHAVEN — Lieutenant Kevin Kobza reports that Fairhaven Police arrested a man over the weekend who was allegedly involved in a hit and run crash and swerved at a pedestrian that was trying to stop him from fleeing.

RAYMOND PIRES, AGE 51, OF FAIRHAVEN was charged with:

• Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Two Counts)
• Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Assault With a Dangerous Weapon
• Unlawfully Attaching License Plates
• Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle
• Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Disorderly Conduct
• Disturbing the Peace
• Trespassing With a Motor Vehicle

At approximately 2 p.m., Saturday, May 5, Fairhaven Police received multiple reports of a crash at the intersection of Weeden Road and Babbitt Street, involving a 2000 Honda Civic and a 2011 GMC SUV.

PIRES, the driver of the Honda, fled from the scene of the crash prior to the arrival of police.

Through the subsequent investigation, it was determined that PIRES struck two vehicles and then fled from the crash at a high rate of speed. While fleeing, PIRES allegedly swerved his car at a witness who was trying to prevent him from leaving the scene.

He then drove across the lawn of a house on nearby Studley Street.

After driving through the residential neighborhood, PIRES ended up back at the scene of the crash. A group of bystanders who were working on a nearby construction site prevented PIRES from fleeing again and detained him until officers arrived.

“While we don’t recommend that bystanders attempt to stop criminals themselves, this was helpful in making sure that the suspect didn’t get away a second time,” Lt. Kobza said.

PIRES was arrested without further incident when officers arrived.

He was arraigned Monday in Third District Court in New Bedford.

No injuries were reported.

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

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