FBI, state and local police searching for evidence along Route 88 in Westport

An FBI team is searching the area around Route 88 in Westport as part of “an ongoing, multi-jurisdictional investigation,” a spokesperson for the FBI said Thursday.

“We are searching for specific evidence and there is no threat to public safety,” said FBI spokeswoman Kristen Setera.

She could not comment on the nature of the evidence being searched for.

The FBI said Massachusetts state troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Westport Police Department are assisting in the operation.

Federal and state investigators search for evidence in the wooded area adjacent to Route 88 northbound in Westport.
Federal and state investigators search for evidence in the wooded area adjacent to Route 88 northbound in Westport.

Law enforcement officials were spotted conducting an operation Wednesday on Route 88 between Charlotte White and Hixbridge roads. When The Herald News on Wednesday contacted state police, Westport police and the DA’s office, none of those offices disclosed that they knew anything about any search.

Route 88 is the principal road taking visitors to Horseneck Beach State Reservation, a popular summer spot. Drivers on the way may pass by the operation and face delays.

Federal and state investigators search for evidence in the wooded area adjacent to Route 88 northbound in Westport.
Federal and state investigators search for evidence in the wooded area adjacent to Route 88 northbound in Westport.

“We recognize the traffic disruptions this may cause, and we are working as expeditiously as possible,” Setera said. “We appreciate the public’s patience as we conduct this important law enforcement activity.”

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: FBI, state police searching Route 88 Westport for ongoing investigation