Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced the issuance of over 232 civil citations and the arrest of seven individuals following her directive to intensify efforts against illegal street takeovers, asserting a firm “zero tolerance” policy.
The Boston Police Department reported an incident involving more than 100 participants in a street takeover early on October 5. This event, occurring shortly after 2 a.m., saw individuals attempting to assault police cruisers using fireworks, cones, poles, and other objects.
Authorities noted that one police cruiser was set ablaze and completely destroyed, necessitating its removal from the scene by tow.
In response to this chaos, Governor Healey tasked the Massachusetts State Police with collaborating with local law enforcement to curtail these unlawful gatherings and car meets.
During a briefing on Thursday, Healey detailed the outcomes of the heightened law enforcement measures, which included 232 civil citations, 20 criminal summonses, and 74 warnings. Additionally, seven individuals were arrested, and 15 vehicles were impounded.
Healey announced on Thursday that as a result of the increased enforcement surrounding street takeovers, 232 civil citations, 20 criminal summonses and 74 warnings were issued. Seven arrests were also made, she said, adding that 15 vehicles were also towed.
“These illegal street takeovers cause public disorder, damage property, and pose a significant threat to the safety of both area residents and police officers. That’s why I declared a zero-tolerance policy and directed State Police to dedicate any necessary resources to support local police with deterring and responding to them,” Healey said. “Most importantly, we saw none of the disruptions in our communities like we’ve seen in the past few weeks. And it’s thanks to the great police work across the state.”
She also issued a warning to people thinking about going to a street takeover.
Police in Boston say the street takeover resulted in a cruiser being torched. (WFXT)
“I’m also going to continue to make my message clear to people whether they’re coming from Massachusetts or coming from outside of Massachusetts, we’ve got zero tolerance for this stuff. Zero tolerance. And as shown by this past weekend’s efforts, we’ll find you, we’ll hold you accountable,” Healey said.
During the news conference, Healey also announced $14 million in safety grants to cities and towns throughout the state which will go toward supporting traffic enforcement and stopping illegal activities such as street takeovers.
Two people were arrested during the street takeover – Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and William Cantwell, 19, from Warwick, Rhode Island. They were charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and malicious destruction of property over $1,200.
Julian Bowers, 18, and William Cantwell, 19, of Rhode Island were arrested in relation to the street takeover, according to officials. (WFXT)
Cantwell allegedly used a pole to smash a police cruiser and Bowers is accused of throwing objects at police.
The two men pleaded not guilty and the judge set bail at $500 for Bowers and $1,000 for Cantwell, and both were seen fist-bumping after learning the bail amount, CBS News reported. Prosecutors had asked for $15,000 cash bail for Bowers and $20,000 for Cantwell.
