BREAKING NEWS: A 19-year-old from Connecticut has been arrested and charged with igniting a Boston police cruiser during a chaotic “street takeover” event that occurred on October 5, 2023. David Antonio Moran, also known as David Moran-Chavez, faces multiple charges including burning a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of fireworks, and conspiracy.
Boston Police Superintendent Paul McLaughlin announced the arrest took place early Thursday morning at Moran’s home in Norwalk. Authorities confirmed that evidence linking him to the incident was seized during the arrest. The October takeover, which unfolded near Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street, involved over 100 individuals launching fireworks and attacking police vehicles with various objects.
“This was a large-scale vehicle takeover,” McLaughlin stated, emphasizing the reckless actions of those involved. Investigators undertook a meticulous review of hours of witness footage and police body camera video, leading them to identify Moran-Chavez as a key participant. Police believe he was also present at additional street takeover events in the region.
McLaughlin described the investigation as “painstaking,” detailing how fireworks were used, which ultimately led to the cruiser catching fire. “Poring through a lot of video, a lot of different angles,” investigators were able to piece together the sequence of events.
Moran is scheduled for arraignment in Connecticut before facing potential extradition to Boston. Currently, two teenagers from Rhode Island are the only other individuals charged in connection with this incident, but McLaughlin indicated that investigations are ongoing.
The October street takeover has raised alarm bells among law enforcement. McLaughlin warned that such gatherings, where many young people converge on city streets, signify a larger, organized network of street takeovers spreading across New England and beyond. “There is a very organized sort of street takeover network out there,” he noted, urging for increased intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies to tackle this growing trend.
Similar incidents have been reported in Fall River, Randolph, and Middleboro. In response to these events, Gov. Maura Healey and state law enforcement officials have committed to taking action, vowing to enhance traffic safety through citations, arrests, and millions of dollars in funding.
As this story develops, further updates are expected regarding Moran’s extradition and potential additional arrests in connection with the October takeover. Stay tuned for continuous coverage of this urgent situation.
