Observant resident watching live surveillance video helps lead Fall River police to suspect

A resident watching surveillance video on his phone as a man tried to break into cars in the neighborhood helped lead police to the suspect's location and eventual arrest.

FALL RIVER — A resident watching surveillance video on his phone as a man tried to break into cars in the neighborhood helped lead police to the suspect's location and eventual arrest.

According to police, Thomas James Sullivan, 27, 120 Terri-Marie Way #14, was arrested early Saturday morning in the area of Columbus Drive and Alice Street after a resident called police about a man the backyard of his house where his wife and children were home alone.

Police said they were contacted around 3 a.m. by a 38-year-old city resident who said his surveillance system had notified him following motion near his home. While monitoring the system's live feed on his phone, the resident gave police updates on Sullivan's movements, which included checking the car door handles of vehicles in his driveway, and walking to a neighboring driveway.

This incident happened after residents have reported motor vehicle break-ins were coins, cash, and other valuables were taken from vehicles for the past several weeks. Police said "some residents went as far as clearing their vehicles of all personal items and leaving notes for the overnight thieves."

The resident continued to provide police with live updates on Sullivan's locations and actions and as officers arrived Sullivan fled into a wooded area in the rear yard of a neighboring home, eventually finding Sullivan hiding behind a boulder. After a brief struggle, Sullivan was taken into custody.

During the search, officers located a pair of gloves, a hooded sweatshirt with the pockets containing loose change, a folding knife and a flashlight along the path taken by Sullivan. A backpack containing gift cards, sunglasses,and a folding knife matching the one in the sweatshirt was located near Sullivan Drive.

Sullivan was charged with breaking and entering a vehicle, attempt to commit a crime, possession of burglarious instruments, trespassing and receiving stolen property.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Denis Gagne at 508-676-8511 or call the anonymous TIPS line at 508-672-8477.