A Worcester man was arraigned this week after Auburn police say he displayed a firearm during an argument at a McDonald’s and was later found carrying a loaded revolver on a public bus.
Incident, arrest and charges
Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Desrosiers, 20, of Worcester. Police were called to the McDonald’s on Auburn Street after a report that a person had brandished a gun during a dispute. Investigators say the suspect left the restaurant and boarded a WRTA bus.
Officers located the bus, identified a person matching the caller’s description and observed a black crossbody bag witnesses tied to the suspect. After developing probable cause to search the bag, detectives said they recovered a loaded revolver. The firearm was processed by the Auburn Police Bureau of Criminal Identification.
- Arraignment: Worcester District Court
- Suspect: Christopher Desrosiers, 20, Worcester
- Recovered evidence: loaded revolver
Charges listed by Auburn police
Desrosiers was arraigned on multiple felonies and weapons counts stemming from the discovery of the firearm. The department reported the following charges:
| Charge | Description (as reported) |
|---|---|
| Carrying a firearm without a license | Alleged possession of a firearm while unlicensed |
| Carrying a loaded firearm without a license | Alleged possession of a loaded gun without the required license |
| Possession of ammunition without an FID card | Alleged possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card |
Local impact and context
The incident touches several local concerns: weapon safety on public transit, enforcement of state licensing laws and community perceptions of street-level violence. Worcester and surrounding municipalities have seen heightened attention to firearm incidents in recent years, and arrests connected to public confrontations can increase pressure on local officials and transit agencies to review safety measures.
Police statements indicate coordination between Auburn officers and regional resources to identify, search and process the weapon. The case will proceed through the Worcester District Court system where prosecutors will decide whether to move forward on the charges.
Records released by Auburn police note that Desrosiers acknowledged ownership of the bag and its contents but, according to the report, denied ownership of the loaded firearm. The revolver was recovered and entered into evidence.
What comes next
Prosecutors must present evidence to support the charges. If convicted, the counts carry significant penalties under Massachusetts law. For residents and commuters, the case underscores ongoing questions about transit safety and the prevalence of illegal firearms in the region.
