New Bedford Police charge two teens after alleged moped theft, assault at south end plaza

“NEW BEDFORD – Patrol officers arrested two suspects after attempting to steal a moped in a south-end plaza.

On April 7th, at around noon, south-end patrol units responded to a call for two males wearing ski masks involved in an assault in the area of the Seabra parking lot. Upon arrival, it was learned that the owner of a moped had witnessed two males in the act of attempting to steal it. He confronted the suspects, and a brief struggle ensued, during which they threatened to shoot him.

The suspects made their way out of the plaza and were observed by an officer who attempted to stop them. They fled and crashed the moped at the Frank St./Hemlock St. intersection before continuing to flee on foot. Sgt. Bryan Safioleas and Ofc. Patrick Kustka apprehended both suspects shortly thereafter in the area of Hemlock St. and Rockdale Ave.

One suspect was identified as DAMIAN BRETON, 18, of Maitland St. The other was a 17-year-old juvenile. Both were taken into custody and have been charged with masked armed robbery.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.