A New Bedford man facing numerous charges, including one for a stabbing incident, was arrested by Dartmouth Police last Wednesday. Ryan Veenstra, 41, was taken into custody after detectives acting on new information obtained a warrant related to the stabbing that took place in Dartmouth back in October 2022, the Dartmouth Police Department announced.
Veenstra, who resides on Maxfield Street in New Bedford, had a slew of other warrants pending against him. The charges include aggravated statutory rape, indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of fourteen, threats to commit a crime, and a second offense for operating under the influence of liquor. His arrest comes as a culmination of investigative efforts by the local authorities.
In an online statement, Dartmouth Chief of Police, Brian P. Levesque praised the dedication of the department in pursuing the cases. "This arrest not only removed a dangerous individual from the streets, but also reinforced the dedication that the members of this department maintain when it comes to following up on cases that would have otherwise gone unsolved," Levesque stated. The update was posted to the official Dartmouth Police Facebook page.
The arrest occurred early in the morning at about 7:30 a.m. It is unclear as of now how the police came upon the new information that led to Veenstra’s arrest. The police department, has not disclosed details about the stabbing incident from October 2022, nor about the new information that prompted the reopening of the investigation.
The actions of the detectives in this case illustrate the relentless nature of law enforcement when it comes to tackling unsolved crimes. It also serves as a reminder of the extensive process and resources local authorities are willing to invest, to ensure individuals facing serious charges are apprehended and brought to justice. As the case against Veenstra progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding his alleged involvement in the series of offenses for which he is currently being held accountable.
