38 people arrested as part of ‘Operation Clear Path’ in Fall River

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Fall River Police Department said 38 people were arrested on Aug. 5 as part of “Operation Clear Path,” an initiative that focused on clearing out the Quequechan Rail Trail.

According to the department, the Quequechan River Trail, from Rodman Street to Brayton Avenue, had become “overrun” by individuals with “substantial criminal histories,” making the area “unsafe” for the general public.

During the operation, police said officers found hundreds of used needles, glass crack pipes, knives, a flare gun, used condoms, sexual paraphernalia, and stolen goods.

As part of the initiative, 33 people were arrested on the trail, including two individuals who had just been released from police custody.

Police said some people in the area verbally protested the operation, but did not resist arrest.

Police added that the people living in the area had received offers for outreach and services, but that “the majority of these individuals declined all assistance.”

Officers also arrested five people at North Park, which police said has been impacted by drug use and fires.

Fall River police said the arrests only mark the first phase of Operation Clear Path, and that it will continue to “address other problematic areas throughout the city.”