For Immediate Release: 7/3/2023 12:47 pm
On Sunday, July 2, 2023, a pair of officers were working the Summer Impact Program (which maximizes police resources during peak hours of activity) when they noticed a vehicle operating with a failed inspection sticker. Officers also noticed that the passenger in the back seat had a hood on with a ski mask. Officers turned their cruiser around with intent to initiate a traffic stop. As officers followed the vehicle to Cutler Street, they noticed that the back seat passenger later identified Alexander Sembatya was now walking outside the vehicle. The vehicle had pulled over to the left side of the street. Officers observed that Mr. Sembatya’s sweatshirt pocket was hanging low and had an object inside which appeared to be a firearm.
As officers approached Mr. Sembatya, he began to back up and reached for the object in his sweatshirt. Officers attempted to gain control of the firearm and place Mr. Sembatya in handcuffs, but he refused to comply and began to fight officers. At this time, the operator of the vehicle exited the car and started to run towards police. Mr. Sembatya threw his body weight back and officers lost control of him. He sprinted up Cutler Street while clutching the object in his pocket which was believed to be a firearm.
As officers chased after Mr. Sembatya the operator of the vehicle screamed at officers and ran after them. Mr. Sembatya jumped over a fence still clutching the object in his pocket. Officers continued but lost sight of Mr. Sembatya when he ran across Houghton Street and through a driveway. Two other officers arriving on scene located Mr. Sembatya in the backyard of 61 Houghton Street. Multiple units arrived on scene to assist. A firearm was located under a fence in the area of 50 Arthur Street along with the black mask that officers observed Mr. Sembatya wearing in the vehicle.
Alexander Sembatya, 18, of 141 Cambridge Street, Worcester was charged with Carrying a Firearm without a License, Firearm, Carry without a License (Loaded), Ammunition, Possession without FID, Resisting Arrest, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Trespassing, Disorderly Conduct and Disturbing the Peace
