Gov. Maura Healey says she’s implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward the automotive street takeovers that have plagued Massachusetts.
She announced that state police and local police departments will work together to “identify, apprehend and punish offenders.”
“Some of the perpetrators are from Massachusetts,” Healey said in a press conference Wednesday. “Other perpetrators are coming into Massachusetts. But 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.”
The local takeovers, which occurred in multiple locations in Boston over the weekend as well as in Fall River, Middleborough, and Randolph, are part of a national trend that has confounded public safety professionals and lawmakers in recent years. Large crowds gather quickly and effectively cordon off intersections while some participants drive performatively as fireworks are set off and the proceedings are captured on video.
As police tried to intervene at a takeover in Boston’s South End recently, participants bombarded their cars with fireworks and other objects and set one police cruiser on fire.
Two Rhode Island men were arrested at the scene and are facing multiple charges, including assault and battery on a police officer.
Northeastern criminology professor James Alan Fox tells GBH News that the takeovers that recently occurred in Massachusetts were not politically or ideologically motivated. Instead, he says, they reflect the impulsiveness of the participants and an eagerness to join a crowd where they can fit in.
“It’s a social event, a social act, not a political act,” Fox said. “It’s doubtful that many of these individuals have firm views against the police. The police are really pawns for their festivities with their pals.”
Fox likened the takeovers to the unruly crowd behavior often seen after big sports victories, and said the best way to combat them is to have a stronger police presence, particularly late at night when the incidents often take place.
In her press conference Wednesday, Healey declined to discuss in detail the assistance the Massachusetts State Police will provide, but stressed that her administration plans to hold takeover participants accountable “to the furthest extent of the law.”
“I’m about quality of life, and making sure that every day in this great state of ours people are able to feel good about their quality of life, feel safe in their communities, and these kinds of, you know, car meetups and the drag racing are counter to that,” Healey said.
Healey also urged members of the public to report to law enforcement any planning for the events or active staging that they become aware of.
“If you see something, say something. Call 911 if you get word of any meetup,” Healey said.
Produced with assistance from the Public Media Journalists Association Editor Corps funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.
