NORWOOD – An early morning arrest by federal immigration and law enforcement authorities on Tremont Street in Norwood led to a foot chase, multiple damaged vehicles, and the capture of an international fugitive wanted for murder.
Shortly before 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, the Norwood Police Department responded to reports of a motor vehicle crash on Tremont Street. Upon arriving at the scene, local officers encountered agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who were in the area executing an operation to locate and apprehend a wanted suspect.
According to statements provided by DHS officers at the scene, federal agents allegedly observed the target, identified as Cleiton Toledo de Souza, entering a vehicle parked in front of 6 Tremont Street. Police say, when agents moved in to take de Souza into custody, he allegedly attempted to flee in the vehicle, striking two parked cars in the process.
De Souza then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, according to Norwood Police. Following a brief pursuit, federal agents allegedly caught de Souza and took him into custody without further incident.
DHS officials advised Norwood Police that de Souza was actively wanted in Brazil in connection with a murder charge.
While federal officers departed the area with de Souza in federal custody, Norwood Police remained at 6 Tremont Street to document the multi-vehicle crash and conduct a local investigation into the property damage.
No injuries were immediately reported in connection with the crash or the pursuit. De Souza is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. -RD
