South Boston Break-Ins Suspect Arrested: Police

SOUTH BOSTON, MA — Police have arrested the man wanted in connection to a series of area break-ins, an apprehension that "should put South Boston residents' minds at ease," police said.

Police earlier this week released surveillance video after a number of South Boston break-ins. There were two break-ins between 1-6:30 a.m. on Tuesday near Gates and Frederick streets, and three around the same time near Mercer, Old Harbor, and East Seventh streets. The suspect(s) entered or attempted to enter each residence through an open window.

On Thursday around 8:20 p.m., police were notified to a man and woman sleeping in a hallway in a building on West 9th Street. While attempting to identify the individuals, the officers were contacted by detectives with information that the man was a possible suspect in the break-ins and had a warrant out for his arrest out of Fall River. The man, Michael Hazel, 29, of Fall River, was wearing the same clothes as the suspect in the surveillance video, police said. He had an active warrant out for his arrest on charges of breaking and entering in the daytime.

Police are seeking additional charged in South Boston District Court for breaking and entering.

"This is really solid work both by my officers and detectives, and by the members of the community who came together to assist us," said Police Commissioner William Evans. "In just a few short days, we have been able to apprehend a criminal wanted for crimes in two communities. This arrest should put South Boston residents’ minds at ease."

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