Worcester Police Investigated Crash Involving Councilor
The Worcester Police Department is reviewing if officers gave preferential treatment to City Councilor Kathleen Toomey.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Accidents
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Worcester Police have launched an internal investigation following a vehicle crash involving City Councilor Kathleen Toomey on Harrington Way. Toomey, who struck a parked car, asked officers at the scene to contact the police chief.
Why it matters
The investigation aims to determine whether officers followed standard protocol by failing to administer a field sobriety test, despite the report indicating no alcohol or drug use was suspected. The inquiry seeks to ensure no special treatment was afforded to the local official.
Sgt. Anthony Petrone contributed $250 to Toomey's past campaigns, including $100 and $150 installments. The investigation is currently ongoing to review the response protocols followed on Sept. 2.
The players
Kathleen Toomey
She is a City Councilor in Worcester who currently faces scrutiny following a vehicle accident.
Worcester Police Department
The local agency responsible for investigating the crash and reviewing its own internal response procedures.
Anthony Petrone
He is a sergeant with the Worcester Police Department who previously donated to the campaign of Kathleen Toomey.
Morris Bergman
He was appointed as the committee chair following the temporary departure of Kathleen Toomey.
The details
Body camera footage shows Toomey requesting that officers contact the police chief after she struck a parked vehicle. Consequently, Toomey has recused herself from council police matters and temporarily stepped down from her role as committee chair.
Timeline
Sgt. Anthony Petrone made campaign donations to Toomey in 2023.
The vehicle crash occurred on Sept. 2, 2026.
Toomey stepped down as committee chair on Sept. 15, 2026.
Legal Context
The investigation focuses on the Worcester Police Department sobriety test policy that mandates testing when impairment is suspected. This review evaluates whether the response by officers at the scene deviated from established city protocols.
Residents may see continued oversight of local police procedures as the department works to verify the integrity of the accident response. The recusal of Toomey from council police matters directly impacts how local law enforcement policy is managed in the coming months.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of transparent investigative procedures in local government to maintain public trust. Residents should monitor future council meetings for updates regarding the outcome of the ongoing police review.
Further reading
For more information on local traffic reports, visit the Worcester Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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