New Bedford Police Catch Fugitive Living on Pope's Island Boat

FAIRHAVEN — A Maine fugitive wanted for a domestic violence offense has been caught living on a sailboat at Pope's Island between Fairhaven and New Bedford.

Authorities from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive section, U.S. Marshals, and New Bedford police found and arrested 52-year-old Eric Waite on Tuesday, according to state police.

State police said last week that trooper Phil Giardino and New Bedford detective Jay Gangi received a lead from fellow U.S. Marshals Task Force members in Maine that Waite could be living on a sailboat off Pope's Island.

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New Bedford police identified the boat, and marine units from both state and New Bedford police worked to catch the fugitive early Tuesday morning.

The two police boats left State Pier in New Bedford and found Waite aboard the vessel.

Police said Waite tried to give them a phony name, but they confirmed his identity and arrested him as a fugitive from justice.

According to police, Waite claimed the boat was given to him.

He was taken back to shore and booked at the state police Dartmouth barracks.

Waite is wanted in Maine on charges of domestic violence and terrorizing.

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