Illegal car meetups lead to violence across Philadelphia; 1 officer injured in crash
They were reported citywide, and turned destructive, even landing a police officer in the hospital.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Hundreds of cars and large crowds of people engaging in reckless activity led to several Philadelphia police officers and their cars being attacked over the weekend.
Authorities reported a total of 11 illegal car meetups, six of which allegedly involved excessive violence and destruction.
The chaos left one officer in the hospital, according to police.
"Everything they do is disruptive, they're ruining the quality of life," said Deputy Commissioner Mike Cram with Philadelphia police. "At one point, they had a flame thrower. Yes, there's video with a flame thrower."
RELATED | Exclusive: How Philly police's new surge team is cracking down on violence, quality of life issues
Officers say the illegal car meetups began at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday and lasted until 4:30 a.m. Sunday.
Police say they responded to incidents on the 7400 block of Bustleton Avenue, at 20th Street and Pattison Avenue, at Island and Bartram avenues, and at 15th and Market streets.
"They're able to disperse quickly and then reform at other locations. That's why we have officers dedicated. It's playing wack-a-mole. We hit them at once, and they move to another," Cram explained.
Video obtained by Action News shows a large crowd gathered in front of City Hall, which has previously been a meeting point for drivers doing burnouts and stunts.
At one point, cars were spinning around a ring of fire.
"It's dangerous, honestly. I'm amazed -- it's extremely dangerous for them and people walking down the street," said Drew Murray from Logan Square.
"It was the aggressiveness at some of the locations -- the incident outside of City Hall was aggressive. They physically went after our officers," added Cram.
Police say several officers were attacked, at least five police cars were damaged -- including the mobile police station at 15th and Market streets -- and roughly 200 vehicles were involved throughout the night.
Some of the damage to police vehicles included smashed windshields and deflated tires.
"They don't care about your safety, their own safety. You've all seen the videos of their behavior. How much chaos can they cause?" Cram questioned.
According to police, on top of this, some of the drivers attempted to run police officers over. Instead, they struck a civilian car.
Investigators told Action News a Philadelphia officer was injured in a crash while responding to one of the incidents.
The crash scene was on Fox Street at Abbottsford Avenue around 3:30 a.m.
According to police, the officer's vehicle was struck by another car that was fleeing the scene.
The officer is listed in stable condition at Temple University Hospital.
Investigators believe the reckless activity was in retaliation to recent police reform efforts.
Action News reported earlier this year that Philadelphia police have created a mobile unit to help disperse car meetups and ATV riders in packs taking to the streets.
Both are illegal and can lead to felony charges.
"Not only are they getting hit with a $2,500 fine, by the way, now we're turning your car over. Confiscating your car as well," said Cram.
Authorities told Action News that police will not tolerate this behavior.
"We have your picture, we're coming for you. If you think you got away last night, you didn't," said Deputy Commissioner Francis Healy, chief of staff at the Philadelphia Police Department.
"When you hear that banging on the door, it will be us. We're coming with search warrants and arrest warrants. Don't think we're gonna allow this to happen in our city, we're not," Healy added.
Anyone who fled the scene last night will reportedly be charged with eluding police, authorities say.
Investigators are asking anyone with video of these incidents to forward it to police. Anyone with information can also call 215-686-TIPS.
