Fall River Spotlight

Just after 1:00am on June 18, 2026, the Tiverton Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 50 Horizon Drive.

Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy fire conditions extending up the exterior wall of the garage. The fire had spread into the attic space above and was threatening the attached residence.

Firefighters initiated suppression efforts and quickly brought the fire under control. The fire was confined to the garage and attic area, preventing extension into the living areas of the home and limiting damage to the garage.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

The fire was investigated by the Tiverton Fire Marshal’s Office. The cause of the fire is accidental in nature due to improper disposal of fireworks.

Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Portsmouth, Fall River, and Westport Fire Departments. The Middletown Fire Department provided station coverage for the Town of Tiverton during the incident.

The Tiverton Fire Department would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance.

Massachusetts is taking action to make our roads safer.

Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey joined Colonel Noble, MassDOT Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, and other members of our legislature, along with law enforcement leaders at the Danvers Barracks to announce a comprehensive statewide initiative to reduce wrong-way driving incidents through advanced detection technology, enhanced signage, roadway improvements, and targeted safety upgrades.

The multi-year effort will focus on more than 500 high-risk locations across the Commonwealth, helping identify wrong-way drivers faster, alert law enforcement sooner, and prevent tragedies before they occur.
For the Massachusetts State Police, this work carries special meaning. We continue to mourn the loss of Trooper Kevin Trainor, who gave his life while attempting to stop a wrong-way driver.
His sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Our hope is simple: that no other family will have to endure the heartbreak experienced by the Trainor family.
Together with our partners, we remain committed to making Massachusetts roads safer for everyone.

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Inc. shared some awesome photos from the watch party event today in Fall River!

🚨 Scam Attempt Thwarted, Suspect Arrested 🚨

Earlier this month, Fall River Police officers responded to BankFive after bank employees reported an ongoing scam targeting an elderly customer.

When officers arrived, they found the victim on the phone with a man claiming to work in a bank’s “Fraud Department.” The caller instructed the victim to withdraw **$25,000** and hand it over to an Uber driver so the money could supposedly be “secured” during a fraud investigation.

Recognizing the situation as a scam, the BankFive branch manager immediately contacted police. Patrol officers quickly stepped in and worked to keep the scammer unaware that law enforcement had become involved. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division (MCD) and members of the Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST) coordinated an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The scammer requested a photo of the cash inside a CVS shopping bag as proof the victim had complied. While officers don’t typically carry $25,000 in cash, the bank staff—who dislike scammers as much as we do—helped stage the photo. The victim’s money was safely returned to the bank, and a travel magazine was placed inside the bag to stand in for the cash. After all, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a magazine full of them must be worth at least $25,000.

A short time later, an Uber driver arrived to pick up the package. After officers determined the driver was unaware of the scam, the driver agreed to assist with the investigation. The suspect directed the delivery to Dorchester, and undercover detectives followed while notifying the Boston Police Department and the FBI.

When the package was delivered, officers moved in and arrested the recipient, identified as **Joshua Jose Nieves, 28, of Roxbury**.

Nieves was charged with:
▪️ Larceny Over $1,200 by False Pretenses
▪️ Conspiracy

While the travel magazine featured destinations around the world, it neglected to mention the accommodations at the Fall River Police Department. Instead, Mr. Nieves received a complimentary ride and an all-inclusive stay in our secure facility.

Investigators later learned the victim had previously withdrawn **$25,000** from another bank branch in Somerset and turned it over to a similar courier. That portion of the investigation remains active and is being handled by the Somerset Police Department in coordination with our detectives.

This remains an active investigation and may result in additional arrests.

We commend the quick actions of our patrol officers, detectives, BankFive staff, and our law enforcement partners. Their teamwork prevented further financial loss to the victim and led to the arrest of a suspect.

⚠️ **Reminder:** Banks, government agencies, and legitimate fraud departments will never ask you to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier, rideshare driver, or stranger. If you receive a request like this, hang up and contact your bank or local police department immediately.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday… Battleship Cove was honored to host a stopover for “The Flag Sojourn 250.” Organized locally by the Bristol County Sheriff's Department, the ceremony included a flyover by US Coast Guard helicopter 6031.

The flag’s next stop is Springfield, MA and it will ultimately end its sojourn in Washington, DC. Many thanks to all whom made this a memorable day for Battleship Cove, Massachusetts, and the United States!

Flag Sojourn 250 is the journey of one American flag to every U.S. state, every U.S. territory, and every U.S. military cemetery overseas. This special global odyssey wraps up as the flag touches the states of the 13 original colonies — and concludes in Washington, D.C.

Westport Emergency Management,Westport Fire Department and Westport Police Department was at the Westport Elementary school cookout  for grades one through four.  Hamburgers on the grill and they were so happy. They enjoyed that meal and the ice cream truck was there for dessert 😁😁

“Anthony Pinheiro and his family are facing an unimaginable loss after Anthony's son tragically passed away when he was hit by a vehicle. This heartbreaking event has left the family grieving and struggling to cope with the emotional and financial challenges that come with such a tragedy.

During this difficult time, Anthony and his family need support from their community to help ease the financial burdens they are facing. The funds raised will go directly to the family, allowing them to focus on healing and remembering their beloved son without the added stress of financial worries. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to experience, and the pain is overwhelming. The family is doing their best to stay strong, but the road ahead is long and difficult.

Any support you can offer will make a difference for Anthony and his family as they navigate this challenging period. Your kindness and generosity will help them feel less alone and give them hope as they move forward. Even the smallest donation will show them that their community cares and is standing beside them in their time of need.”

A GoFundMe has been started to help the family of the little boy who was tragically killed yesterday in a car accident in New Bedford. A link to the GoFundMe will be posted in the comments.

Last night, the Fall River Police Department responded to a horrific and tragic incident on Aetna Street that resulted in the deaths of two young men.

Vitor Francisco Gomes, pictured below has been arrested for the brutal double murder. One stabbed with a pitchfork and the other one killed with a brick.

Here is an official statement from the Fall River Police Department:

“FRPD responded to shots fired and found the two victims and the suspect reportedly covered in blood. The victims were identified as 20-year old Pablo Henrique Rocha-Dasilva of Whitman and 19-year old Eduardo Cardosa DaSilva of Fall River.

While the investigation remains active, I want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional work performed by our Patrol Bureau, Community Action and Suppression Team (CAST), Major Crimes Division, Emergency Services Unit and Crime Scene Unit. From the initial response to securing the scene, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and assisting in the rapid apprehension of a suspect, these men and women demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and teamwork under extremely difficult circumstances.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Bristol County Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit and the Bristol County District Attorney's Office for their partnership and collaborative efforts throughout this investigation. Major cases such as this require a coordinated response, and the teamwork displayed last night was exemplary.

Most importantly, our thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of Pablo Henrique Rocha-Dasilva and Eduardo Cardosa DaSilva. No arrest can undo the pain caused by such a senseless act of violence. We recognize that two families are grieving today, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.”