Fall River Police announces cleanup, arrests, continued presence at Alfred Lima Quequechan Rail Trail

Fall River Police say that they have begun a crackdown on a popular scenic spot that has become riddled with crime and trash despite community efforts.

According to police, in the early morning hours on Tuesday, the Fall River Police Department initiated Operation Clear Path, a coordinated enforcement effort focused on the Quequechan Rail Trail, specifically the span from Rodman Street to Brayton Avenue.

Over the past three years, this section of the Rail Trail has generated more than 800 calls for service, according to the department, including reports of sexual assaults, overdoses, robberies, fires, assaults with weapons, and the ongoing presence of biohazardous waste.

The department issued the following statement:

“What was once a symbol of pride in our historic city has tragically become overrun with criminal activity, drug use, violence, and hazardous conditions. It is no longer safe for families, children, and residents to enjoy.

“This community space should be a refuge for all, a place where children can safely ride their bikes, where residents can walk, jog, and enjoy nature. Unfortunately, despite years of outreach, support services, and intervention from advocates and social workers, the conditions have only worsened. Outreach workers have been threatened with weapons and driven away, and every individual encamped along the trail has declined repeated offers of housing, rehabilitation, and assistance.

“The area has effectively become a colony of criminals, where the overwhelming majority of trespassers have significant criminal histories, including numerous violent offenses. This group has contaminated a public space meant for families and children, choosing to reject help in favor of continuing illicit and dangerous behavior.

“The images shared in this post show the disturbing state of the Rail Trail leading up to today’s operation: used needles, drug paraphernalia, human waste, used condoms, and mounds of garbage. All of this was left in a public park meant to serve the community.

“This ends today.

“With support from our dedicated officers and police K-9s, the Fall River Police Department has begun a campaign to reclaim and restore the Quequechan Rail Trail. Today’s operation focused on removing trespassers, clearing contaminated debris, and searching the area for illegal firearms and narcotics. This is only the beginning.

“Moving forward, we will maintain a visible police presence through walking patrols, increased enforcement, and routine sweeps of the area. We are committed to ensuring this public space becomes safe, clean, and accessible once again.”

A list of arrests is expected to be released later today.