53 people arrested in Worcester for illegal car shows

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police arrested dozens of people Friday night for participating in an illegal car show, part of a series of similar illegal events that also resulted in shootings and property damage.

According to Worcester Police, car shows have been taking place throughout Worcester since the spring, including in the industrial area along New Bond Street, the Southwest Cutoff (Route 20) and Lincoln Plaza.

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According to a press release, police responded to Lincoln Plaza outside the empty Dick’s Sporting Goods store on Friday evening after “citizens reported a large group of cars driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed through the busy shopping center.” By the time police arrived, the reckless drivers had already left.

Less than an hour later, police headed to New Bond Street. When police arrived, the cars sped away, but officers were able to record several license plates, the police department said.

Police then went to 330 Southwest Cutoff – near a Teamsters training facility – and found about 30 cars behind a building. Police arrested 53 people and one juvenile for trespassing and allowed their families and friends to pick up their cars. Police found no weapons at the scene.