Philadelphia officer injured while trying to break up large crowd
While at the scene, an officer was struck by a vehicle and broke his ankle, officials say.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One Philadelphia police officer was injured while trying to break up a large crowd on Sunday.
According to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), around 500 people were gathered on the 1300 block of Broad Street in North Philadelphia just before 2 a.m.
Video from the Citizen App shows the large crowd in the streets.
Residents in the area said it was a loud and disruptive incident.
"They were drifting, there were people in cars and people dancing outside of cars. It's just dangerous," said one woman.
She asked Action News to remain anonymous.
"Honestly, it was probably 500 kids and it didn't seem like there was one adult out there. Middle school, high school ages - just out of control," she added.
The FOP says the gathering blocked the roadway, so police were called in to break it up.
While at the scene, an officer was struck by a vehicle and broke his ankle, officials say.
The striking vehicle fled the scene.
Officials say the officer was taken to Jefferson University Hospital where he was treated.
Investigators have not provided any further details on the crowds.
This incident comes shortly after Philadelphia police had to disperse other large groups on Saturday night.
At approximately 8 p.m., police responded to the 5700 block of Tacony Street for a similar incident.
They also responded to the Philadelphia Mills Mall around 9 p.m. and to the area of Byberry Road and Roosevelt Boulevard around 10:30 p.m.
Officials say these crowds of vehicles were dispersed without incident.
"The people that live in the city of Philadelphia communities are starting to feel that this is the norm here, that the lawlessness is the norm, that they can do whatever they want and there are no repercussions," stated John McNesby, president of the FOP.
McNesby is calling on other city leaders to address this illegal behavior.
"The officers were injured trying to make arrests out there and one officer I did speak to, he's in severe pain and we're helping him with his treatment. But again, blocking the highways out there with four-wheelers surrounding people, we can't have that. It's lawlessness and we need to get the city back," he said.
A bill designed to crack down on this type of behavior has already passed Philadelphia City Council and is now awaiting Mayor Jim Kenney's signature.
Councilman Mark Squilla says the bill would levy a $2,000 fine on anyone taking part in these types of gatherings, and their vehicles might be confiscated as well.
"We have to start setting that example so that they will pass the word amongst themselves that if you're going to do this in Philly, you've got to be careful because they just might take your vehicle, and then also pay a large fine," said Squilla.
Mayor Kenney responded to the incident on Sunday night with the following statement:
"I wish the police officers who were injured last night a speedy recovery, and I am as always very grateful to the officers who put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the public and keep the peace.
"Car meets are disruptive, reckless, and often dangerous, which is why the Police Department has assembled dedicated teams of officers to monitor and address these events. I'm thankful officers were able to successfully disperse last night's large meetup without any further injury."
