53 Arrested After Police Chase Illegal Car Shows Across Worcester

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police arrested dozens of people Friday night who were participating in an illegal car show, part of a series of similar illegal events that have also led to gunfire and property damage.

Worcester police said car shows have been held across Worcester since the spring at locations including the industrial area along New Bond Street, along Southwest Cutoff (Route 20) and Lincoln Plaza.

Police responded to Lincoln Plaza Friday night in front of the empty Dick's Sporting Goods store after "citizens reported a large group of cars driving recklessly and speeding through the busy shopping plaza," according to a news release. The reckless drivers were gone by the time police arrived.

Less than an hour later, police traveled to New Bond Street. The cars sped away as police arrived, but the department said officers were able to capture several license plates.

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 a juvenile on trespassing charges, and allowed their family and friends to come pick up their cars. Police did not find any guns at the scene.