LOWELL — An early-morning brawl at Tescobar in Downtown Lowell Sunday, led to a Lowell Police Officer being assaulted, several injuries and two arrests.
The incident happened outside of the entertainment venue at 72 Middlesex Street, which has been the scene of previous police responses.
Sources close to the case said the police officer suffered a concussion and was transported to Lowell General Hospital.
“My first thought is for the safety of the professionals of the Lowell Police Department,” City Manager Tom Golden said by text Sunday morning, “This type of behavior will not be tolerated. Establishments that create this type of environment are not welcomed in Lowell.”
Radio transmissions capture chaotic scene
Recordings from Broadcastify, a source of live and archived public safety radio transmissions, captured the initial alarm at approximately 1:16 a.m. when an officer radios in that “I need assistance with Tescobar.”
Given the history of incidents at bars including Tescoabar, Blue Shamrock on Market Street and Smokehouse Tavern on Middle Street, the LPD sends units to those establishments around closing time to monitor the crowds.
Several minutes later, an unidentified police officer is heard calling dispatch with “They’re assaulting an officer here,” and requests three ambulances.
“We’ve got one under arrest and we have five down,” the officer said. “I don’t know their injuries, yet.”
The chaotic scene unfolded over the radio broadcasts as more units raced to Middlesex Street.
Ultimately, two people were arrested, with one transported to Lowell General’s Saints Campus in what officers described as an “uncooperative” state.
History of incidents at Tescobar
Tescobar Performance Center is a large-capacity entertainment venue that can accommodate up to 350 guests in its 4,000 square feet of floor space. According to Lowell property records, Picante Entertainment Group LLC bought the building for $750,000 in March 2024, and it opened Tescobar in November 2024.
The venue rents space to outside vendors, including for private parties and promoter-style events.
A flyer for the venue posted on its social platforms said Eric & Tommy presents “Raised in the 978: Lowell Folk Fest After Party,” from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday.
The promoters offered two free bracelets with a VIP table booking at which “bottle service available.”
Bottle service describes a boutique benefit at a club or bar where patrons can have entire bottles of liquor delivered directly to their table bypassing the line at the bar. The VIP service often includes mixers and a personal server.
Thanks to a quirk in Lowell’s liquor ordinance, there are no “bars” in Lowell, and establishments that serve food are classified as restaurants where age limits do not apply.
The drinking age in Massachusetts is 21 and providing alcohol to underage patrons is a criminal offense and a violation of established state laws. But in Lowell, underage patrons can frequent these establishments, as long as they aren’t served alcohol.
No ages were listed on the flyer, and it’s not clear how Tescobar managed the bottle service feature and any on-site underage patrons.
Ernesto Lugo, of Malden, who is the registered agent for the business, did not respond for a request for comment as to the process for carding underage customers, the brawl or the injured police officer.
No connection to Lowell Folk Festival
Despite its promotional flyer, the event was not connected with the 39th annual Lowell Folk Festival, which had ended its second of three days just hours earlier, said LFF Executive Director Lee Viliesis.
“Many bars and restaurants use our names and logo in their advertising without our permission or knowledge,” she said by text Sunday morning. “The only ones that we associate with are those listed as partners on our website.”
The city’s signature event took place at various venues in the Downtown Lowell area Friday through Sunday.
Tescobar’s incident mirrored one at the Blue Shamrock in February when two assaults took place at that establishment during the city’s bicentennial kickoff and Winterfest celebration.
Previous violations at Tescobar
The Lowell Police Department has filed several allegations of misconduct against Lugo for failure to comply with all laws and regulations, including not rendering medical aid to a person after an alleged assault on its premises, and not reporting the incident.
One alleged incident took place the early morning hours of March 21, when an 18-year-old woman reported being punched in the face by another patron during an 18-plus event at the venue.
Last month, a promoter took advantage of Lowell’s “no bars” ordinance loophole, and advertised an “End of School Summer Party” to which ages 14-plus were invited to an event scheduled for 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the venue. Following outcry, Lugo said at the time that the age limit had been changed to 18 plus.
Chaotic night ends
After the original call to dispatch about the brawl and injured officer, Lowell Police had cleared the scene, including the Early Garage, which is across the street from Tescobar.
At least four police cruisers swept the garage and were “pushing people out,” said the radio transmissions.
“All clear and quiet,” an unidentified officer said.
Original article
Comments