Gov. Healey Pledges Crackdown on ‘Street Takeovers’ in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is condemning car meetups and racing known as "street takeovers" across the state, describing them as destructive, dangerous, and illegal. In a news conference on Wednesday, Oct. 8, Healey reaffirmed her commitment to supporting law enforcement and prosecuting offenders.

Earlier during the week of Oct. 6, a Boston Police cruiser was attacked by more than 100 people and set on fire in the South End. Two young men from Rhode Island were arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

In Fall River on Sunday, Oct. 5, five individuals ages 19 to 22 were arrested after blocking roads and performing doughnuts during a street takeover, with similar events reported in Randolph and Middleboro.

Healey's message to the public was clear — zero tolerance for those who engage in the activity. 

"Whether you're in Massachusetts or you think about coming to Massachusetts, you are not welcome to engage in that conduct at any time, in any place, anywhere in this state," Healey said in a statement shared with CBS News Boston.

Healey's response has been criticized by her Republican challenger in the governor's race, Brian Shortsleeve, who claims that a lack of prosecution has emboldened offenders.

"The truth is, incidents like we saw in the South End the other night are becoming more and more common. And they are becoming more and more common because the bad guys know there are no consequences," Republican Brian Shortsleeve told WBZ-TV Boston on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

CBS News Boston reported that Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable), the former deputy police chief in Yarmouth, announced plans to file two bills to further crack down on those engaging in this dangerous activity on the roadways.

According to 7NEWS Boston, Healey ordered the Massachusetts State Police to work with local police to identify the people involved in these acts, arrest them, and punish them.

“We want to see some teeth when they go in front of that judge,” said Larry Calderone, the president of the Boston Police Patrolman's Association. “They're actually going to pay in some way, shape, or form for that crime.”