Armed Men Threatened Homeless In Arlington: Police

ARLINGTON, MA — Police are stepping up patrols in the Mugar Woods area of East Arlington after receiving reports of armed men threatening the homeless population. Three men – at least one of whom is believed to be armed – started camping in the woods, threatened nearby homeless people and may be bringing drugs into the area, according to police.

Police searched for the suspects on Tuesday and Wednesday. Officers found a campsite that may belong to the men, as well as a large bladed weapon and police-style baton. The suspects were not located, and police believe they may now be camping in Cambridge.

Police at Mugar found a homeless person who was approved for housing under a state-funded grant program. Officers arranged to transport the individual and belongings to a new home.

"The Arlington Police department cares about all of its residents, including those without a permanent address," Acting Chief Juliann Flaherty said in a statement. "I am deeply committed to the mission of the Arlington Homeless Outreach Team. We will not tolerate violent crime in our community, and we will aggressively pursue those who seek to intimidate or victimize our vulnerable populations."