The City of Fall River Police Department has apprehended 63-year-old John Lengyel in relation to a breaking and entering incident at Fiesta Mexican Restaurant earlier this month. According to a social media post from the department, the crime took place on the night of January 11, 2026, when Lengyel allegedly broke a glass panel to gain entry into the building, located at 207 Rhode Island Avenue.
The surveillance footage captured the individual crawling through the shattered door and making off with a cash lockbox. A discarded mask matching the one worn by the suspect was later found on Montaup Street, contributing to the evidence. Fall River PD's Major Case Division (MCD) pieced together more footage, which led to a clear image of Lengyel's face, ultimately enabling detectives to identify him.
Lengyel is facing charges for breaking into a building at night and larceny from a building, as detailed in the warrant applied for by the police department. Officers arrested the suspect at his residence on East Main Street on January 23rd, after diligently reviewing multiple sources of surveillance footage. The arrest was conducted without incident.
"The Major Case Division’s consistently high case clearance rate is a direct result of the dedication, persistence, and collaborative efforts of all personnel involved in investigations such as this," the Fall River Police Department stated in their social media announcement. The department also emphasized the significance of locating, reviewing, and piecing together surveillance footage from multiple sources, identifying, and collecting physical evidence in solving cases.
Through consistent and professional efforts, the Fall River Police Department continues to demonstrate its commitment to community safety and maintaining public trust. The successful resolution of this case underscores the integral role of unseen police work in holding offenders accountable and upholding law and order within the community.
