Westborough Police Warn Of 'Street Takeovers' After Teen Accused Of Leading Police Chase

WESTBOROUGH — Police say a growing number of so-called “street takeover” gatherings in town are raising safety concerns after a recent incident led to a crash, foot chase and the recovery of a loaded “ghost gun.”

Officers have seen an uptick in "street takeovers," which often involve large groups of vehicles and can quickly become dangerous for both the public and responding officers, according to the Westborough Police Department.

In the early morning hours of Apr. 12, officers responded to one such incident that began as a dispersed car meet and escalated into both a vehicle and foot pursuit.

Police said officers encountered roughly 10 to 20 vehicles gathered in a secluded lot off Research Drive.

During the response, one driver accelerated toward officers, nearly striking a cruiser, before fleeing the area without headlights and ignoring commands to stop, according to police.

The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed. Authorities identified the driver as 18-year-old Yoscar Rivera, who then fled on foot before being apprehended after a brief chase.

During the investigation, officers recovered a discarded bag that contained a loaded, untraceable “ghost gun,” additional ammunition and a ski mask, police said.

Rivera was taken to a hospital for evaluation and is expected to be summoned on multiple charges, including firearm offenses, failure to stop for police and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. The case has been referred to court.

The incident comes as similar enforcement efforts are underway in nearby Worcester, where police recently cracked down on planned street-takeover events. In early April, Worcester police, working with state and regional partners, prevented multiple gatherings and arrested 12 people while issuing nearly 20 citations and warnings.

• 12 Arrested In Worcester Following Street Takeovers, Police Say

Police across Massachusetts have warned that these events can draw large, unpredictable crowds and pose serious public safety risks.

Westborough Police Chief Todd Minardi said the department is actively working to deter these gatherings and will continue collaborating with regional law enforcement partners to address the issue.

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