Planning a walk at the Osamequin Nature Preserve? Do not be surprised if you see a police drone flying overhead. 

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia said the department will be taking some steps to deter any potentially lewd behavior that may be occurring in the bird sanctuary/preserve. 

He said the department will be flying drones over the passive recreation area periodically, and people can also expect to see increased police patrols.

The Osamequin Nature Preserve, located on the northbound side of the Wampanoag Trail in Barrington, has had issues in the past with suspicious behavior taking place in the woods. Chief Correia said there was a recent report of someone walking along one of the nature trails when they spotted some possibly lewd behavior. 

There was another incident on Monday, July 8. According to Barrington Police, a 50-year-old man from Charlestown was walking along a trail in the bird sanctuary when another man approached him and tried to grab his crotch. Police said the Charlestown resident drove to the station to report the incident. Police identified the suspect as a 34-year-old man from Fall River, Mass. 

“He (the victim) plans to complete a witness statement. It’s still an open case,” Chief Correia said.

The chief said the drone fly-overs and increased police patrols will hopefully deter any questionable behavior, regardless of whether it is heterosexual or homosexual. 

“This is one of the many passive recreation spots in town,” Chief Correia said. “(This is for) walking and enjoying the outdoors. There’s some good bird-watching in there… It is a well-traveled spot.”