NEW BEDFORD — A bold daytime moped theft in the South End spiraled into a chase and eventual arrest of two suspects, including one teenager, police said.
The incident unfolded on April 7 when two masked individuals, now identified as Damian Breton, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile, attempted to commandeer a moped from the Seabra parking lot, according to the New Bedford Police Department's Facebook page. Their plan went south after the owner caught them in the act and a scuffle broke out, during which the suspects threatened to open fire. The fiasco did not end there: the duo crashed the moped post-theft attempt and fled on foot but not without drawing the diligent eyes of patrolling officers.
Quick to respond, officers pursued the suspects and nabbed both near the intersection of Hemlock St. and Rockdale Ave. Sgt. Bryan Safioleas and Ofc. Patrick Kustka took the lead in the arrest, ensuring the culprits did not get away with their brazen noon heist attempt. While Damian Breton now faces charges for masked armed robbery, so does the unnamed minor, their criminal aspirations cut short by New Bedford's finest.
Authorities encourage anyone with useful intel about the interrupted theft or other crimes to come forward. Informants with details can reach out anonymously through the department’s website or by ringing up at 508-99-CRIME.
