LAKEVILLE — Two juveniles were arrested on the evening of Monday, June 1, 2026, after allegedly fleeing Lakeville police in a vehicle during a pursuit that ended in Fall River.
According to Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins, the arrests followed an investigation conducted by Lakeville police from May 28 to June 1 into a stolen motor vehicle and at least 10 motor vehicle break-ins that occurred throughout Lakeville
Chief Perkins said a thorough investigation, led by Officer Alexander Malo, uncovered several related incidents, including a motor vehicle stolen from a Precinct Street home that was later recovered in Halifax. Police also investigated 10 vehicle break-ins on Riverside Drive, Harding Street, Barstow Street, Loon Pond Road, Fern Avenue, LeBaron Boulevard, and Bunker Lane.
The investigation led police to identify two local juveniles as suspects.
At approximately 8:43 p.m. on Monday, June 1, Lakeville police attempted to take the juveniles into custody on Smith Circle. Chief Perkins said the juveniles fled and were arrested after a pursuit that ended on Yellow Hill Road in Fall River.
According to Chief Perkins, evidence found in the vehicle connected the juveniles to the previous break-ins and a motor vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier that day.
One of the juveniles was charged with the following:
- Larceny of a Motor Vehicle
- Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Failure to Stop for Police
- Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
- Speeding
- Marked Lanes Violation
- Stop Sign Violation
- Possession of Burglarious Tools
- Use of a Motor Vehicle Without Authority
The charges against the second juvenile are pending.
“These crimes underscore how alleged criminal activity is not necessarily an adult endeavor,” said Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux. “Concerns about youthful offenders getting wrapped up in the criminal justice system are actively being debated on Beacon Hill. “
Sheriff Heroux said the “Raise the Age” bill in Massachusetts (such as S.1061 and H.1923) is a legislative effort to gradually raise the upper age of juvenile jurisdiction from 18 to include young adults ages 18 through 21.
“Raising the age from 18 to 21 might not help these suspects, however, advocates of raising the age argue it would help other youthful offenders,” Sheriff Heroux added.
Chief Perkins said the juveniles are believed to have been involved in incidents in other communities, including a stolen license plate investigation and two separate fail-to-stop incidents in Raynham, as well as a hit-and-run crash in Taunton.
“Multiple law enforcement agencies from across the region — including Freetown police, Dartmouth police, and the Massachusetts State Police — were instrumental in assisting with the pursuit and safe apprehension of these two juveniles,” Chief Perkins said.
Lakeville police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables from plain view, and immediately report suspicious activity.
The investigation remains active and additional charges may be forthcoming, Chief Perkins added.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact the Lakeville Police Department Detective Division at (508) 947-4422.
