Fairhaven Police Arrest Fleeing Suspect; Nearby School Issues ‘Stay Put’ Order

FAIRHAVEN — Chief Daniel M. Dorgan reports that the Fairhaven Police Department worked closely with the Fairhaven Public Schools as officers pursued and apprehended a fleeing suspect on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29, Fairhaven Police received a call reporting a person with an outstanding warrant had been spotted at a car wash at 128 Huttleston Ave.

The man was cleaning out a vehicle and fled from officers as they approached. The suspect fled north, behind Hastings Middle School.

The incident coincided with school dismissal. Fairhaven Police notified the School Department immediately, and out of an abundance of caution the District responded by initiating a “Stay Put” order at the Fairhaven Middle School and two nearby elementary schools.

Students at Fairhaven High School had already been dismissed for the day.

Officers searched the wooded area to the east of the Middle School and quickly located the suspect. He was unarmed and taken into custody without further incident.

At no point were students in danger or in contact with the suspect and all established protocols were followed as Wednesday’s incident unfolded. The Fairhaven Police School Resource Officer was also on scene and positioned at the rear of the middle school, adding an extra layer of security.

Fairhaven Public Schools shared the following message on the District’s website: “Thank you to the Fairhaven Police for their collaboration, communication and commitment to the safety of our students, staff, and the Fairhaven Public Schools.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support as safety is our top priority.”

“We are very proud of the professional working relationship we have with the Fairhaven School Department,” said Chief Daniel M. Dorgan. “Today was an outstanding example of how our two organizations work together seamlessly to help ensure the safety of the youth of our community.”

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