Police chase stolen car suspect, then rescue him

FAIRHAVEN, Mass.—A 38-year-old man faces charges after police said he led officers on a chase in a stolen car, and then needed to be saved after leaving the vehicle and jumping into the water.

Joaquim Fortes, 38, of New Bedford, is charged with failure to stop for police, operating a vehicle without a license, speeding, breaking and entering into a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

Police said they received a call early Tuesday morning from a resident on Chestnut Street reporting someone breaking into their car.

The homeowner ran outside and began chasing the suspect.

As police arrived on scene, an officer noticed Fortes in a car nearby. As the officer approached the car, Fortes drove through a stop sign and sped away.

Police officers gave chase as the car headed west on Route 6 toward New Bedford.

As the car approached the Fairhaven-New Bedford bridge, it stopped momentarily as the bridge was closed to traffic with protective barriers down.

Police said Fortes smashed through the first barrier and tried to drive through the second barrier. According to police, the car became stuck and Fortes exited the car and ran away.

Fortes later jumped into the water to try to escape. Police said Fortes held onto a pylon and yelled for police to rescue him.

Police officers from Fairhaven and New Bedford were eventually able to pluck Fortes from the water after he swam to a nearby dock.

Police said the car Fortes was driving was stolen from Laurel Street near where he was first observed breaking into another car.

Police said Fortes may face additional charges for damaging a protective barrier.