More state police troopers are walking the beat along the Charles River as a result of the rape last Monday, a police spokesperson told Village 14.
Trooper David Procopio confirmed that both the victim and assailant in last week’s attack were living in the encampments along the river and were known to one another. He also said that troopers are patrolling the area “to identify the encampments and, when found, talk with DCR and offer options to [the homeless] including shelter and hospitalization.” He could not offer details as to how many homeless have moved. “Usually we give them a trespass warning and tell them they have to leave. DCR tries to move in and clean up the area,” Procopio said.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem has been increasing in recent years. It’s something that troopers from the Brighton barracks have noted, as have commenters on Village14 and Reddit.
“It’s an issue that we’ve been aware of,” Procopio said. “We’re increasing patrols from Cambridge all the way to Waltham.”
Questions to DCR asking for additional clarification on the increase in homeless have not yet been returned.
Here’s a statement fromfrom Newton Police Lt. Bruce Apotheker
“We have had one report in recent memory of a sexual assault on property in Newton under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts State Police near the Charles River in the vicinity of California and Bridge Streets. The suspect believed responsible in that alleged episode on Monday, September 21, has been arrested and we believe that this was an isolated incident.
The City of Newton encourages members of the public who see suspicious activity in any neighborhood of the city to contact the Newton Police Department by emailing: [email protected] or by calling: 617-796-2100. Members of the public are the most important partners we have in fighting crime.”