The Shepherdstown Police Department is seeking assistance from the community in identifying a suspect accused of polluting Town Run.

According to Shepherdstown Police Chief David Ransom, the unidentified suspect has been dumping large bundles of newspapers into the Town Run, which flows throughout the downtown area.

Ransom characterized the incidents as “sporadic,” occurring once every one to two weeks for the past two years or more.

According to the only witness who has so far reported any suspicious activity related to the crime, the suspect is described as a white male between that ages of 40 and 60, with a gray beard, who drives a dark colored pickup truck with a cap on the back.

The witness claimed to see the man loading stacks of newspapers into his vehicle on Feb. 1 at approximately 6 p.m. behind the Shepherdstown Post Office.

The police chief has asked residents of the town to keep their eyes open for any similar activity and to report it immediately.

According to the chief, polluting the Town Run with hazardous material, such is that found in newspaper ink, can be prosecuted as a federal crime committed against the protected waterway.

Those with any information can contact the police department at their office located in Town Hall in person, by phone at 304-3-876-6036 or by email at tips@shepherdstown.us.