Teen Shot, 18 Arrests for Fighting During Latin Festival in Downtown Worcester

WORCESTER, MA—An 18-year-old was shot in the leg during the Latin Festival in Worcester on Saturday, when several fights broke out, leading to 18 arrests by Worcester police.

On Aug. 20, Worcester police officers were in the area of Main Street by Federal Square working detail at the Latin Festival downtown, where they monitored large groups of rival youth gangs that had begun forming at the vicinity of the festival. Several groups congregated and taunted one another, with apparent attempts to start fights, said police.

Around 6:30 p.m., officers heard several gunshots coming from the area of Main and Chatham Streets, where a large group of people had congregated. As the gunshots went off, officers observed a large group of people running away from the direction of the gunshots.

Police found an 18-year-old male suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg in the area of Main and Chatham Streets, and he was transported to the hospital.

Immediately after the shooting, officers tried to disperse large groups of disorderly youth, with numerous fights continuing to break out. Many of these youths refused numerous commands from officers to disperse and continued fighting with each other as well as confronting officers.

A 17-year-old male punched another juvenile in the face, and the suspect attempted to flee. Officers chased the suspect, who started to run directly back at the officers. The teen was holding a 12-inch-long kitchen knife, and officers told him to drop it, which he did. He violently resisted arrest and officers had to tackle him to the ground.

In another fight, a 20-year-old Worcester man was hit on the back of the head with a beer bottle, causing a severe laceration. This male was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

In another incident, three males chased a fourth in the middle of the street, and he fell to the ground, with the three kicking him in the head and body. Police found all three and arrested them.

Officers were eventually able to gain control of the crowd and secure the scene, and officers on the scene made approximately 18 arrests on charges ranging from Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Affray, Disorderly Conduct, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, and Resisting Arrest. All individuals arrested were young males ranging in age from 15-21 years old. Several individuals arrested were in possession of large knives during the incident, said police.

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting. Worcester Police Detectives and Crime Scene Unit responded to interview witnesses and collect evidence. The investigation ongoing. Police are currently working on identifying the suspect(s) involved. Anyone with information about this incident can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or send an anonymous web based message at worcesterma.gov/police. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at 508-799-8651.