Massachusetts Governor Enforces Zero Tolerance on Illegal Street Takeovers with $14M in Traffic Safety Grants
October 16, 2025
Recent enforcement operations have resulted in seven arrests, 20 criminal summonses, 74 warnings, and 232 civil citations, including vehicle seizures such as a stolen car, as part of a crackdown on illegal activities.
Law enforcement targeted social media-driven car meetups over the weekend, focusing on disrupting organized events that cause public disorder, property damage, and safety threats.
Officials, including Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado, clarified that these events are organized groups causing chaos, not casual car enthusiasts, and pose serious safety risks.
Incidents in Boston, Fall River, Brockton, Randolph, and Middleboro involved fireworks, violence against police vehicles, and destruction of police cruisers, with one event in Boston's South End leading to a cruiser being set on fire.
A recent chaotic meetup in Boston resulted in a police cruiser being damaged after fireworks and objects were thrown, with similar violent incidents reported in multiple communities.
Healey emphasized the dangers of these events, citing public disorder, property damage, and safety threats, and called for public cooperation in reporting suspicious activity.
Law enforcement urged the public to report illegal street activities and warned organizers and participants could face criminal charges, including fines and license penalties.
Law enforcement officials, including Boston Police Patrolman's Association president Larry Calderone, called for stricter punishments to ensure offenders face meaningful consequences.
Police officials highlighted the importance of teamwork and the bravery of officers working tirelessly to prevent chaos and protect communities from these organized disturbances.
Healey discussed broader budget challenges, criticizing federal funding cuts under the Trump administration that impact public safety programs and efforts to combat these illegal activities.
Healey reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to zero tolerance, emphasizing ongoing efforts to identify, hold accountable, and prosecute those involved in illegal street takeovers.
Law enforcement agencies utilize intelligence from the Commonwealth Fusion Center to monitor hotspots, coordinate patrols, and disrupt planned illegal gatherings in real time.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a 'zero tolerance' policy against illegal street takeovers, allocating $14 million in traffic safety grants to support law enforcement efforts across 210 local police departments and 10 state agencies.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

Boston.com • Oct 16, 2025
Healey: Mass. has ‘zero tolerance’ for street takeovers
Across Massachusetts Patch • Oct 16, 2025
MA Police Target Drag Racing Flash Mobs: Gov. Healey Touts Weekend Crackdown
GBH • Oct 16, 2025
Gov. Healey says crackdown on illegal street takeovers is underway