Armed Fugitive Caught in Fall River With Stolen Gun

FALL RIVER — State police have caught a fugitive in Fall River wanted on a variety of assault, armed robbery, and other charges — including assaulting a pregnant woman — and allegedly found him with a stolen gun.

Melvin Arias-Brown, 22, was arrested by state troopers from the violent fugitive apprehension section and others on Wednesday morning after investigators learned that he was likely staying at a Snell Street home.

Troopers conducting surveillance saw the suspected fugitive and an unknown woman leave 63 Snell St. and get into the back seat of a ride-share car at around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

When the car stopped at a store on Rodman Street and the woman went inside, troopers approached Arias-Brown, who had stayed in the back seat.

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Authorities said the suspected fugitive jumped out of the driver’s side rear door when he saw the troopers approach.

He taken into custody after a struggle, according to state police.

Troopers said they found a loaded Ruger SR-40 handgun in Arias-Brown's waistband with 10 rounds in the magazine.

They also allegedly found a folding knife and 40 Suboxone strips.

A check of the firearm revealed it had been reported stolen in Avon on April 7, according to state police.

Arias-Brown was charged with three warrants out of Brockton District Court, including prior charges for assault and battery on a pregnant victim, armed and masked robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, larceny, felony breaking and entering, and others.

He also was charged with new offenses from Wednesday’s arrest including unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon, receiving stolen property, and possession of a Class B drug.