Keeping Boston Safe: At about 8:13 PM on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, several BPD units, including officers assigned to District B-3 in Mattapan, alongside members of the Auto Theft Unit and Youth Violence Strike Force conducted a targeted enforcement operation focused on scooters and mopeds in the area of 11 Kenberma Road in Dorchester. The investigation was a result of ongoing public safety concerns as well as quality of life issues regarding the use and storage of these vehicles in the Dorchester area.
Officers observed an individual driving a moped leave the residence on Kenberma Road. The individual returned shortly thereafter with two other individuals who were also operating mopeds. Officers approached the residence and made contact with the three individuals as they proceeded to the basement. Inside of the basement, officers observed several mopeds in various states of repair as well as an overwhelming odor of gasoline emanating from the mopeds. The three males were taken into custody.
As a result of the operation, officers located eight gasoline fueled mopeds inside the basement of the residence and a ninth moped in the rear of the residence. None of the mopeds were properly registered, nor were they properly stored, and all of them showed signs of being stolen with exposed wiring and damaged ignitions. Eight of the mopeds were towed from the scene, while the ninth moped was allowed to remain on the premises.
Officers arrested Kelvin Afonseca Varela, 18-years-old, of Jamaica Plain, Jayden Theodat, 18-years-old, of Roslindale, and a 16-year-old juvenile male, of Dorchester. All three suspects are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on charges of Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Receiving Stolen Property. Additionally, the suspects were issued Massachusetts Uniform Citations for violations of the auto laws.