Armed Gang Member Attacks Cop After Traffic Stop: WPD

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester police were able to arrest two alleged gang members Sunday after a routing traffic stop turned into a violent struggle, police said. It was around 6:30 p.m. in the Main south area when an officer saw a car with a broken tail light.

The cop followed the car, which began to gain speed and eventually turned into the Wonder Dollar parking lot at 731 Main Street.

Noticing two men int he car, the officer called for back up which quickly arrived. The two approached the car and began to question the two inside, eventually noticing a half full bottle of Hennessey Cognac at the passenger's feet, police said.

Juan Ruiz, 18, of 124 May St. was driving and Hector Torrs, 27, of 15 ½ Mendon St., was the passenger. Police said the two were identified as members of a local gang.

Police said that basic questioning made the two "extremely nervous," and, after getting information on the two, they ordered them out of the car to do a weapons check.

As Torres was getting out of the car, he pushed one officer and tried to run away. The cop caught up with him within 20 feet of the car and they began to struggle. Torres had a revolver on him, police said, which fell onto the ground during the struggle.

Torres eventually grabbed a hold of the gun and began to point it at the cop, police said. He didn't get a shot off, however, as the cop swatted it away. The back up officer arrived and the two got Torres into handcuffs.

See the Worcester Police Department's statement here.

Meanwhile, police arrested Ruiz for the open bottle of alcohol found and questioned him about the gun. Ruiz was charged with transporting alcohol as a minor, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a loaded firearm without a license, possession of an open container of alcohol and possession of ammunition with an FID card.

Torres was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed assault with intent to murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, a firearm violation with three violent and/or drug crimes and possession of an open container of alcohol.

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