Man arrested after being caught stealing from car in Fall River, police say

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A man was arrested after being caught stealing from a car in Fall River Wednesday night, according to authorities.

The incident happened at about 11:30 p.m. in the area of Kilburn and Dwelly streets.

Police said they responded to that area for a report of shots fired. When they arrived, they found a backpack on the ground.

Shortly after, said police, they came across a man who was looking through the back seat of a car.

The suspect, identified as Jacob Souza, had broken into the car and was in the process of taking several items, which were found in his pocket, added police.

Souza, of Fall River, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering motor vehicle in the nighttime for a felony, possession of a class B drug, possession of a class E drug, and receiving stolen property.

Police said they later learned that the car had backfired in the area, causing a loud bang, which is often mistaken for gun shot.