Headline: Philadelphia Police Increasing Crackdowns On Illegal Car Meets Following Chaotic Weekend
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police said they responded to multiple illegal car meets over the weekend that shut down intersections with large crowds and hundreds of cars performing dangerous stunts, while setting off fireworks.
Car Meetups Across the City
Between 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 4:30.m. Sunday, officers responded to 11 different locations across the city, ranging from Northeast Philadelphia, South Philly, Center City and Spring Garden Township. These car meetups were basically grand shows of donuts, drifting full streets.
The occurrences were addressed by Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy thusly: “This behavior will not be allowed.” Healy said the car meetups are in response to recent police crackdowns by Mayor Parker’s administration. We’re serving search warrants and arrest warrants tonight.”
Risky Stunts, Cop Reaction
The scene unfolded around 9:30 p.m. on the 7400 block of Bustleton Avenue which saw approximately 50 cars lining up for a night ride. Police also ticketed nine nuisance cars and 15 onlookers. While the encounter was taking place, another driver tried to get away after crashing into a parked car by plowing straight into police officers. The driver has been identified and police say an arrest warrant is expected to follow.
Larger crowds gathered as the night wore on. Hundreds of cars were drifting near FDR Park by midnight, sparking at least two arrests on a crash-related incident. Multiple cars were witnessed driving fast, close to each other and setting off fireworks near Delaware Avenue and Spring Garden Street.
Gunfire and Reckless Driving
At about 1:30 a.m., approximately 100 vehicles congregated in the area of 25th and Washington Avenue where shots were fired, according to witness accounts. No officers were struck but police recovered a live found and shell casing. A nearby airsoft rifle was also found.
The meetups went on all night, amassing more than 200 cars at Island and Bartram Avenues as of approximately 4 a.m. Thats when police officers took more abuse and their vehicles were also damaged along with City Hall later into the event.
Expanded Measures Against Illegal Street Racing
Philadelphia police plan to increase efforts to crack down on racing and erratic driving. Between 9:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., officers went to several spots with crowds that ranged from 50 vehicles up to over 200 cars.
Healy also said that those who participated in the meetups would be prosecuted. He sent a warning: “We have your photo, we are coming for you… When they come to knock think it will be us.”
Damage and Injuries
Various police vehicles were vandalized overnight with broken windows and slashed tires. A vehicle trying to flee from the area struck one of the officers who was then injured in that collision. He is now in a stable condition.
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Anyone with video or knowledge is requested to name police at 215-686-TIPS.
Conclusion
Philadelphia police are trying to crack down on illegal car meetups and some of the most dangerous driving in the city. Police say that is not going to be allowed and the investigation continues.