Fugitive murder suspect arrested in Fall River
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
FALL RIVER, MA – The man wanted for murdering three people in Puerto Rico, who has since been on the run in in Rhode Island, has been arrested in Fall River, Massachusetts.
Pedro Torres,38, was found hiding in a closet, inside a Lonsdale Street apartment. He was arrested by Massachusetts State Police, Rhode Island State Police, and Fall River Police with no incident. He was held overnight and has been arraigned Friday.
In the apartment, various drug paraphernalia was observed in plain view. After a search warrant was granted, police found a locked box on a shelf which contained two handguns.
Additionally, police found a fabric bag, containing a box of Federal .357 magnum rounds, with 9 rounds inside. Other items seized include items a small bag of marijuana, $265 Cash and 2 Massachusetts license plates.
"That’s the first time I’ve ever seen that much of a police force present. I was scared!" neighbor Justin Houston told ABC6 News on scene. "A lot of police officers and a lot of guns."
Tammara Zimmerman and her friend took cellphone video of the arrest through their window. "They were in there for maybe 20, 25 minutes before they came out with him in just boxers and sandals. And he was in handcuffs," explained Zimmerman. When asked if she knew the triple homicide suspect was living right next door while witnessing his arrest, she said she had no idea.
"we kind of just assumed it was a normal drug thing until we saw what was being said on Facebook and everything," Zimmerman said. "And we were like ‘Oh my god!’ We’re outside everyday with the kids!"
Torres was last seen in Providence on August 19, sparking a citywide manhunt and lock down.
He is wanted for a triple murder in Puerto Rico, but according to Fall River Police, will face additional charges after Thursday’s arrest.
Torres has been held without bail and scheduled to be be back in court September 8th.
© WLNE-TV 2016
