Massachusetts Sees Violent “Street Takeovers” Across Multiple Cities

Over the first weekend of October, crowds in at least four Massachusetts cities violently targeted police officers in what authorities are calling “street takeovers” connected to car racing.

Incidents included a police cruiser set on fire in Boston, fireworks fired at a cruiser in Randolph, a Dodge Charger attempting to hit an officer in Middleborough, and roads blocked by crowds in Fall River, preventing an ambulance from passing.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden called the takeovers “dangerous, intolerable assaults on our police officers and neighborhoods.”

What Are Street Takeovers?

Street takeovers involve dozens or hundreds of cars gathering to perform donuts, race, and drive recklessly, according to the Police Executive Research Forum. They are sometimes called “car meetups” or “sideshows.”

These events increased during the pandemic and continue today. While some participants may be “bored young people,” they often lead to injuries, property damage, and even deaths. Police in cities like Milwaukee have noted that these events frequently include fireworks, swarming officers, attacking other vehicles, and blocking emergency responders.

Unlike street races focused on speed, takeovers prioritize showmanship and social media attention, according to California law firm Prestige Law. Police struggle to contain them because the crowds move quickly and disperse rapidly.

Notable Incidents This Weekend

Middleborough: Around 11 p.m. Saturday, roughly 50 vehicles and dozens of people gathered in a commercial parking lot. A Dodge Charger attempted to strike a police officer, and police later pursued it onto Interstate 495 and I-195 toward Rhode Island before ending the chase.

Boston: Around 12:26 a.m. Sunday, a police cruiser caught fire after a crowd of 100 threw objects and fireworks at it. An officer inside escaped as other officers intervened. Julian Bowers, 18, and William Cantwell, 19, were arrested for malicious destruction of property, assault on an officer, and resisting arrest.

Randolph: More than 100 people punched cruisers, lit fireworks, and sat on police hoods at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, putting officers in extreme danger.

Fall River: Police reported reckless driving, street racing, and blocked roads, forcing an ambulance to reroute. Roughly 200 people performed burnouts and donuts, set off fireworks, and ignored police presence. Five people were arrested, with an additional suspect sought through warrants.

Arrests

At least seven people have been charged in connection with these incidents:

Fall River: Jahir Gonzalez, Alexander Copsetta, Alyssa Deyoung, Mackenzie Benjamin, Aiden Meehen
Boston: Julian Bowers and William Cantwell (both from Rhode Island)

Charges include malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, assault on officers, resisting arrest, and conspiracy.

A Recurring Problem

Street takeovers are not new. In September, police in Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield cleared large gatherings of cars, some exceeding 300 vehicles, with no arrests. Similar events occurred in Newton, Taunton, Brockton, and Marlborough.

Nationwide Issue and Legislative Response

Since 2020, street takeovers have become a nationwide problem in North Carolina, California, Florida, Texas, and Ohio. Authorities say the primary motivation is social media attention.

Some states are imposing harsher penalties:

Alabama: Spectators and organizers can now face arrest, with increased penalties for injuries or deaths.
California: Drivers can face $5,000 fines and six months in jail; organizers may face felony charges; spectators face fines up to $1,000.
Connecticut: New laws increase fines, provide police with tools to address takeovers, and allow seizure and destruction of ATVs and other vehicles used in takeovers.

Police emphasize that these events endanger the public, obstruct emergency services, and create serious safety hazards, particularly near hospitals and populated areas.

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