Police have stepped up their patrol efforts in East Arlington throughout the Mugar Woods after a recent report of armed men threatening the homeless population living there, according to a department release.

“On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Arlington Police Department, members of which conduct weekly outreach at areas where the homeless are known to gather, received information that three men recently began camping in the Mugar Woods and had been threatening the homeless population there,” the release, posted Wednesday, said. “The information also suggested that one of the men was in possession of a firearm and that they may be bringing drugs into the area.”


While searching for the suspects on Tuesday and Wednesday, officers reportedly found a campsite believed to be theirs and located a large bladed weapon and a police-style baton.

The suspects were not located; police said they’re believed to now be camping in Cambridge.

“The Arlington Police department cares about all of its residents, including those without a permanent address,” Acting Chief Juliann Flaherty said in a statement. “We will not tolerate violent crime in our community, and we will aggressively pursue those who seek to intimidate or victimize our vulnerable populations.”