Worcester Police Department

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on May 12, 2026, a Worcester Police Gang Unit Detective was on patrol on Lincoln Street when his attention was drawn to a vehicle. It was identified as being involved in a ShotSpotter activation in Great Brook Valley on May 11, 2026. The Detective began to follow it as additional detectives responded to assist. Once additional detectives were in the area, a motor vehicle stop was conducted near the intersection of Lincoln Street and Catharine Street. 

Upon approaching the vehicle, detectives noticed several open containers of alcohol. While removing the rear passenger from the vehicle, detectives located a loaded, 9mm firearm in a cross-body bag that he was wearing. The male, who was identified as twenty-year-old, Leonel Rivera, does not possess a license to carry a firearm and was placed under arrest. Rivera was charged with Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Possession of a Firearm without a FID, Possession of Ammunition, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol and Possession of Class B. 

The vehicle owner was arrested and charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol and Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol. A juvenile male will be summonsed for Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol and Minor in Possession of Alcohol.