FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FALL RIVER, MA — August 13, 2026 — On Wednesday, August 12, members of the Fall River Police Department initiated Operation Restore the Row, a large-scale, multi-agency enforcement operation in response to gun violence, ongoing neighborhood disorder, and individuals whose influence can discourage residents from cooperating with law enforcement in the Corky Row neighborhood.
Led by the Fall River Police Department’s Major Crimes Division and Community Action & Suppression Team (CAST), the operation brought together personnel from throughout the department, including Patrol, Motor Vehicle, K9, Crime Scene, and Court Liaison units.
The operation was also supported by the Massachusetts State Police Bristol County Detectives Unit, Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, and the FBI Gang Task Force.
During the operation, law enforcement personnel executed four search warrants, seized various amounts of narcotics, secured multiple motor and recreational vehicles, and arrested 40 individuals on outstanding warrants and other offenses.
Information developed and evidence gathered throughout the operation also contributed to the closure of prior shooting investigations.
While much of the operation was highly visible throughout the community, its success also relied on the work of booking officers, dispatchers, and the department’s Staff Sergeant, who managed an exceptionally high volume of prisoners, calls for service, and radio traffic throughout the night.
Fall River Police Chief J.T. Hoar said:
“Operation Restore the Row brought together resources from across our department and our law enforcement partners at the state and federal levels to address the individuals contributing to violence and disorder in this neighborhood.
“There are amazing things happening within our agency. Our officers are taking tremendous pride not only in the work they do, but in the city and the people they protect.
“Last night was a line in the sand. We showed what can happen when our entire department works together with a common purpose. We will continue to be aggressive in addressing violence and disorder, stand with the residents who take pride in their neighborhoods, and make it clear that we are not going backwards.
“This is the direction of our department, and we’re just getting started.”
The Fall River Police Department recognizes and stands with the residents who take pride in their neighborhoods, want safer streets, and believe in the future of Fall River.
Operation Restore the Row demonstrates what is possible when local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work together with a common purpose.
We are not going backwards. We are just getting started.
Media Contact:
Fall River Police Department
Public Information Office
