As a result of an investigation conducted by the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Crime Gun Unit and Gang Unit, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for a 17-year-old juvenile in connection with a shooting incident.
During the course of the shooting investigation, the Crime Gun Unit, working in coordination with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Postal Inspector Service, conducted a separate investigation into illegal firearm possession and manufacturing. This investigation focused on the same 17-year-old male suspect connected to the shooting, as well as another juvenile male.
On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, detectives from the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau, Crime Gun Unit, and Gang Unit, with assistance from agents from the ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspector Service, executed two search warrants. One warrant was executed at an address on Boys & Girls Club Way, and the second was executed at an address on Oberlin Street.
As a result of the search warrants, investigators recovered a firearm, ammunition, and tools and instruments used in firearm manufacturing. Two 17-year-old juveniles were placed under arrest. One juvenile is facing charges related to the shooting and firearm possession. The second juvenile is facing charges of possession of ammunition and possession of a Class B substance with intent to distribute.
The arrests stem from a prior incident that occurred on September 25, 2025, at approximately 5:40 p.m., when Worcester Police officers and officers assigned to the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit responded to a ShotSpotter alert on Boys & Girls Club Way. 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, and 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 along Hammond Street. As officers approached, the male began running toward Canterbury Street and was seen running through traffic with his hands tightly clutched to his waistband. Officers caught up to him and placed him in handcuffs. The male was identified as 22-year-old Willie Watson of Worcester and was found to be in possession of a firearm. The Crime Scene Unit responded and confirmed the firearm was loaded. Further investigation determined that Watson does not possess a license to carry.
Watson was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of a large-capacity firearm, possession of 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 20-year-old Chance Toney arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. His injuries were not considered life-threatening. Further investigation revealed that Toney was at the scene of the shooting and was also armed. Toney does not possess a license to carry and was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, possession of an untraceable firearm, and a warrant.
No members of the public were injured during this incident. The Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau and Crime Gun Intelligence Unit continue to investigate.
“This investigation demonstrates the continued efforts of detectives and specialized units working together to address firearm-related violence,” said Tiffany Williams, Director of Crime Trackers Massachusetts. “The coordination between local, state, and federal partners was instrumental in identifying those involved and removing firearms and related items connected to this case.”
Crime Trackers Massachusetts 