FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Police have arrested a man accused of breaking into several Fall River businesses late last month. Alexander Botelho, 41, was taken into custody Tuesday by officers who responded to a Stafford Road home for reports of an unwanted man. Police said the officers were forced to break up a fight between Botelho and another man inside the residence. Botelho suffered a cut to the bridge of his nose as a result of the altercation. The officers wound up arresting Botelho after they were shown proof that he whipped a dog with a leash, according to police. An investigation revealed that Botelho broke into three businesses between Sept. 20 and Sept. 25: the Dunkin' on Rhode Island Avenue, the Dunkin' on Brayton Avenue and the Golden Food Mart on Rodman Street. Botelho has been charged with animal cruelty, three counts of breaking and entering in the nighttime and three counts of larceny from a building. He also had outstanding arrest warrants for shoplifting, larceny of under $1,200 and breaking and entering into a vehicle or boat in the daytime. NEXT: Man accused of slashing 62 vehicles’ tires in Fall River Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW