Conn. teen arrested in Boston street takeover that saw police cruiser torched

A Connecticut man is facing charges as Boston police allege he was part of a crowd responsible for igniting a police cruiser with fireworks during an Oct. 5 street takeover in the South End. 

David Antonio Moran, 19, of Norwalk, was arrested early Thursday morning, a Boston Police Department spokesperson told reporters. Moran — also known as David Moran-Chavez — was apprehended “as a result of a painstaking investigation,” the spokesperson said. 

He is charged with conspiracy, burning a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of fireworks, and disturbing the peace in connection with the early morning takeover at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street. 

The Boston Police Department is expected to address local media and share further details at 2:30 p.m.

The chaotic incident was one of several street takeovers in Eastern Massachusetts that morning, with large crowds shutting down streets in multiple communities as drivers performed high-speed stunts and spectators looked on. Gov. Maura Healey responded with the announcement of a $14 million safety grant, expressing “zero tolerance” for the meetups. 

“It poses a real significant threat to public safety and certainly harms quality of life in our neighborhoods and communities,” she said in October. 

Moran will appear in a Connecticut courthouse, where he will be charged as a fugitive from justice. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. 

Boston police previously arrested two Rhode Island teens in connection with the South End street takeover; one of them was allegedly seen throwing objects at police officers, while the other was purportedly spotted striking a cruiser with a pole. 

“Boston Police officers and detectives methodically identified and followed evidence related to this street takeover,” the department spokesperson said Thursday. “BPD worked with several law enforcement partners in the Bay State, and received tremendous support from private citizens and businesses via video and information sharing and we thank them all.”

The department encouraged anyone with information, photos, or videos to contact Boston police detectives at 617-343-5619 or provide an anonymous tip at BPDnews.com/CrimeStoppers.

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.