More than 200 vehicles cause chaos in Philadelphia, police forced to intervene

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia police are taking several steps to address a rise in illegal street racing and reckless driving in the city, following a series of incidents overnight yesterday.

According to police, between 9:30 p.m. and 4:33 a.m., officers responded to multiple locations where crowds of 50 to more than 200 vehicles had gathered.

According to them, the incidents involved ‘dangerous behaviour’, such as drifting, setting off fireworks, setting fire to rubbish and vandalising police vehicles.

Below is a timeline of the incidents and where they happened from Saturday night through early Sunday morning, according to Philadelphia police.

9:30pm – 74XX Bustleton Ave

Approximately 50 vehicles were involved. Officers issued nine tickets under the Nuisance Car Ordinance and 15 tickets to spectators. One driver attempted to elude police by driving directly toward officers and collided with a civilian vehicle. The driver has been identified and an arrest warrant has been issued.

11:47 p.m. — 20th and Pattison Ave

More than 100 vehicles were reported drifting and driving recklessly. Two individuals were arrested after fleeing police and crashing into a pole. Both are residents of neighboring communities.

03:30 am – 3300 Fox St.

A 39th Precinct officer suffered minor injuries while responding to a call for assistance when his vehicle was struck by another car that fled the scene.

04:00 AM — Island and Bartram Ave

A group of over 200 cars were involved in drag racing and drifting. Officers were attacked and a police vehicle was damaged. The crowd dispersed as more police units arrived.

04:33 am — 15th and Market

It was reported that more than 100 cars were seen drifting around and setting fire to rubbish. Officers were attacked, resulting in damage to several police vehicles, including broken windshields and flat tyres.

A total of five police vehicles were damaged in the incidents, including broken windshields and flat tires.

This is what is being done.

Philadelphia police deployed dozens of officers to crack down on illegal gatherings over the weekend, focusing on the massive, dangerous traffic jams that are taking place across the city.

Criminal Intelligence Service agents collect data to learn about these events before they happen.

The Philadelphia Police Department has a message for those participating in these illegal activities: “Don’t think you’re going to get away with it and not be held accountable. There are cameras everywhere, there’s a significant amount of evidence to go through, PPD will use that evidence to make arrests when warranted.”

The PPD continues to work with Mayor Cherelle Parker to address and end the dangerous incidents.

“The Parker administration’s support has been strong and unwavering, and instrumental in efforts to improve public safety and bring those responsible to justice,” the police said in a press release.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at (215) 686-TIPS (8477).