7 Caught Trespassing At Quabbin Reservoir In Belchertown, Mass.; Patrols Increased Across State

Seven people were detained on Tuesday after being caught trespassing at the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown, Mass., state police have revealed.

Authorities say that the seven trespassers, consisting of five men and two women, are from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, CBS Boston reports. Massachusetts State Police claim that each trespasser “cited their education and career interests” as their reason for being in the restricted area.

According to CBS Boston, the men told police that they were recent college graduates and chemical engineers.

State police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement that a trooper noticed two cars parked near a reservoir park entrance around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday. Five men and two women were then spotted walking toward the vehicles from the direction of the Quabbin Reservoir.

The Quabbin Reservoir, located in Belchertown, Mass., is one of the nation’s largest manmade public water supplies, CBS Boston reports. The Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs provide drinking water for the city of Boston.

While the seven trespassers were questioned, state police said that there were no warrants or advisories pertaining to the individuals. Authorities added that “there was no evidence that the seven were committing any crime beyond the trespassing,” CBS Boston reports.

Each of the seven people were allowed to leave after being issued a summons for trespassing. However, the FBI is investigating the matter, and precautionary inspections of nearby public water supplies have been increased, CBS Boston reports.

The seven trespassers currently reside in the Massachusetts towns of Amherst, Cambridge, Sunderland and Northampton, and New York City. State police have yet to release their names, as a court date has not been set.