Worcester Police Department
Joint Investigation by WPD Crime Gun Unit, WPD Gang Unit, ATF, & US Postal Inspector Service Yields Warrant Arrests for Juveniles Associated with September Shooting on Boys & Girls Club Way.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/2/2026 9:23 am
As a result of an investigation by the WPD Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Crime Gun Unit and Gang Unit, Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old juvenile in connection with the shooting.
At the same time of the investigation into the shooting, the Crime Gun Unit, working with the ATF and US Postal Inspector Service, conducted an investigation into illegal firearm possession and manufacturing. This investigation focused on the same 17-year-old male suspect from the shooting and another juvenile male.
On Tuesday December 30, 2025, Detectives from WPD Detective Bureau, Crime Gun Unit and Gang Unit, with the assistance of agents from the ATF and US Postal Inspector Service, executed two search warrants, one at an address on Boys & Girls Club Way and another on Oberlin St.
As a result of the search warrants, a firearm, ammunition, and tools and instruments used in firearm manufacturing were recovered.
Two 17-year-old juveniles were placed under arrest. One is facing charges in regard to the shooting and also firearm possession. The other is facing charges of possession of ammunition and possession of class B with intent to distribute.
Original Release September 25, 2025:
Two Males Arrested on Firearms Charges After Shots Fired Incident Left One of Them with Injuries
On September 25, 2025, at approximately 5:40 PM, Worcester Police officers and officers with the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit were dispatched to Boys & Girls Club Way for a ShotSpotter alert. Upon arrival, officers located a firearm and additional evidence in the area. A bullet hole was observed in the rear passenger side door of a vehicle. Another bullet hole was observed in the front window of an apartment.
While responding to the scene, officers with the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit observed a male walking down Hammond Street. As officers approached the male, he began running towards Canterbury Street and was running through traffic with his hands clutched tightly to his waistband. Officers caught up with him and placed him in handcuffs. The male, identified as twenty-two-year-old Willie Watson of Worcester, was found to be in possession of a firearm. The Crime Scene Unit arrived on scene and confirmed that the firearm was loaded. Further investigation showed that Watson does not have a license to carry.
Willie Watson is charged with Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm, Possession on a Large Capacity Firearm with a Feeding Device, Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card, Carrying a Loaded Firearm Without a License, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace.
Shortly after, a male identified as twenty-year-old Chance Toney arrived at an area hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries are not considered life-threatening at this time. Further investigation revealed that Toney was at the scene of the shooting and was also armed. Toney does not possess a license to carry. He is charged with Carrying a Firearm Without a License, Possessing an Untraceable Firearm and a Warrant.
No members of the public were injured during this incident. The WPD’s Detective Bureau and Crime Gun Intelligence Unit are investigating.