The suspect, Isaias Ferreira DaCosta, 31, was nabbed by detectives after going on a spending spree with a stolen credit card, authorities announced.
DaCosta decided to snatch an 82-year-old woman’s pocketbook on December 18th in a Market Basket parking lot as she was putting away her groceries. Despite a valiant struggle by the victim, DaCosta overpowered the woman and fled the scene on foot. Detective Roberto Dacunha took the lead on the case.
Through reviewing surveillance footage and connecting the dots after the suspect tried using the victim’s credit card at multiple businesses in the north end, Detective Dacunha and his team were able to identify DaCosta. Acting on Det. Dacunha’s arrest warrant, Detectives Nathaniel Almeida and Jonathan Miranda apprehended the suspect on December 23rd in the area of Holly St. and Ashley Blvd., according to a statement by the New Bedford Police Department.
DaCosta now faces a hefty slew of charges: unarmed robbery of a victim over 60 years old and five counts of attempting to use the stolen credit card. The arrest also allowed police to clear up three other outstanding warrants against him. "Officers try their best to solve all robberies, however, when the perpetrator is someone who targets the elderly, it strikes a particular chord with everyone involved. I'm grateful for the effort of all the officers involved, from the patrol officers who took the initial report and comforted the victim, to the major crime detectives who tracked the surveillance video, and finally, the narcotics detectives who could locate him and place him under arrest. Great work" New Bedford Chief of Police Paul Oliveira said in recognition of his team's work.
New Bedford police welcome any information that could assist in further investigations and urge the public to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously through the department’s website at newbedfordpd.com or by calling 508-99-CRIME.
