Worcester Police Department

On July 3rd, 2025, at about 9:35 PM, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to the parking lot of 50 Southwest Cutoff for a report of about forty to fifty vehicles racing in the lot.  The officers pulled into the lot and saw many vehicles assembled.  Many began to swiftly exit the lot as officers pulled in. 

Officers noticed one vehicle had no taillights, and attempted to pull over the vehicle.  The operator, later identified as twenty-five-year-old Edwin Morales of Southbridge, attempted to drive away. Mr. Morales drove over a curb and attempted to go around the other vehicles to flee the lot, but there were too many of them for him to successfully maneuver his vehicle out of the lot.  Officers approached on foot and detained Mr. Morales.  They also observed a passenger, thirty-five-year-old Hector Rojas of Southbridge. 

Officers observed what appeared to be a handgun in the center console.  Neither Mr. Morales nor Mr. Rojas had a license to carry firearms. Officers determined that the handgun was loaded and was reported stolen.  Both Mr. Morales and Mr. Rojas were placed under arrest and are charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Carrying a Loaded Firearm without a License, Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, and Receiving Stolen Property over $1200. Mr. Morales is additionally charged with Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Stop for Police.