After complaints from residents, business, Fall River Police make multiple arrests at homeless encampment

The Fall River Police Department made multiple arrest at one of the homeless encampments.

According to police, following numerous complaints from residents and businesses regarding encampments and suspected illegal activity near Lewiston Street and Interstate 195, the Fall River Police Department launched a coordinated investigation. The Mayor’s Office and members of the City Council also received complaints and communicated those concerns directly to Chief Hoar.

On Thursday, after a three-week undercover and surveillance investigation, members of the Community Action and Suppression Team executed a search warrant at an encampment near the Quequechan River as part of an investigation into the suspected sale of crack cocaine and fentanyl.

During the investigation, detectives seized approximately 16.5 grams of suspected crack cocaine, 1 gram of suspected fentanyl, approximately 17 Suboxone strips and other related items to drug distribution.

57-year-old Antone Costa was arrested and charged with several drug distribution charges.

36-year-old Bryttany Lemieux was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Several other occupants of the unauthorized encampment along the Quequechan River have been given their notice to leave. FRPD stated that their outreach team will ensure that these folks get services if they choose to do so.

Court records show that at arraignment, Costa pled not guilty and was released on personal recognizance with a probable cause hearing scheduled for August 12th.

FRPD thanked the residents and business owners who took the time to speak up.

“Our response reflects the balance between compassion and accountability. We will continue working with our outreach partners to aid or help those in need, but homelessness cannot be used as a shield for criminal activity. I commend the members of our CAST Unit for their investigation and decisive action, as well as the officers of our Patrol Bureau, whose daily presence and continued monitoring help protect our neighborhoods and prevent these conditions from returning.”- Chief J.T. Hoar