Violent Arrest 'Within Parameters,' Worcester Police Say

WORCESTER, MA — Police Chief Steve Sargent said that the use of force in a fight that broke out in a Worcester parking lot over the weekend was justified after a video circulated that captured the arrest of two brothers.

Around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, June 10, police who were working detail at the Riviera Show Club on Southbridge Street noticed a commotion in the parking lot. Another officer who was driving by spotted the same commotion and stopped.

Several told police that a man, later identified as Mitchell Lugo, 23, Spencer, had attacked them for no reason. Officers told Mitchell and his brother, Zachary Lugo, 27, Rutland, to stop fighting and leave the area. There had been multiple incidents throughout the night with these two individuals, said police.

According to police, officers tried to calm the brothers down and get them to leave the area, but both brothers continued to scream profanities at the individuals they were fighting. Mitchell and Zachary Lugo continued to try to escalate the situation with by flailing their arms and screaming.

It can be seen here:

An officer tried to remove Zachary from the area, but he squared up with the officer into a combative stance. He was told he was under arrest. Meanwhile, an intense struggle was underway between Mitchell and another officer. At this point, the detail officer was trying to place Mitchell under arrest. The officer was standing up and struggling with Mitchell, who had his arm hooked around the officer’s head, said police.

The officer was able to take Mitchell to the ground, and Mitchell tried to grab the officer by the neck, which the officer countered with punches. At this point, other officers arrived and attempted to place Zachary under arrest. He fought with officers and was eventually taken down to the ground, right next to Mitchell. At this point, both brothers were actively fighting and there were still only two officers on scene, said the police report. An officer was able to place one handcuff on Mitchell, who continued fighting with his other hand.

As both brothers were on the ground, more officers arrived. At this point, while on the ground, Zachary punched one of the officers and tried to grab his duty belt. In an attempt to stop the assault and protect his gear, the officer delivered a closed-fist strike to Zachary’s face. An arriving officer was running up to the scene and saw Zachary’s attempt to grab an officer’s belt, and delivered multiple quick strikes to Zachary’s face. Officers continued to arrive and were eventually able to place both men in handcuffs.

Both Mitchell and Zachary Lugo continued to try to kick officers after being placed in handcuffs, said police. While waiting for the wagon, both Mitchell and Zachary were screaming threats and profanities at officers. Zachary and Mitchell focused in particular on an Asian-American officer, calling him racial slurs and saying that knew people who would kill the officer’s family for them.

Mitchell Lugo is charged with Trespass, Resisting Arrest, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, Civil Rights Violation, and Assault and Battery on a Police officer. Zachary Lugo is charged with Trespass, Resisting Arrest, Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, Attempt to Disarm a Police Officer, and Assault and Battery on a Police Officer. Both of them will be arraigned today in Worcester District Court.

"When we conduct these investigations, we gather as much information and as many facts as possible," said Chief Sargent in a statement. "Our members of the Bureau of Professional Standards then review the circumstances, level and the degree to which force was used. The initial review indicates that the use of force falls within the parameters of policy and training standards under the circumstances. A full investigation is being conducted."

Thousands shared a viral cell phone video on the incident over the weekend, which kicked off a plethora of cries that Worcester police had overstepped its bounds.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about this incident, contact the Bureau of Professional Standards at 508-799-8694.