PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a series of incidents involving large groups of vehicles participating in illegal street racing, drifting, and other reckless activities across the city this past weekend.
Beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, and continuing until 4:33 a.m. on Sunday, September 22, officers responded to multiple locations where crowds ranging from 50 to over 200 vehicles had gathered. Activities included drifting, setting off fireworks, and vandalizing police vehicles, authorities said.
One of the more dangerous incidents occurred at 9:30 p.m. on Bustleton Avenue, where a blue Dodge Charger drove directly at officers, forcing them to evade the vehicle. The Charger then collided with a civilian vehicle. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Deonte Vincent of Woodbridge, was arrested on September 24 and charged with aggravated assault and related offenses.
Several other locations saw similar reckless behavior, including a gathering of over 100 cars at 20th and Pattison Avenue, and an incident at 300 Pattison Avenue where a vehicle struck a pole, leading to the arrest of 19-year-old Jhonny Martinez of Upper Darby.
At 1:30 a.m., shots were fired near 25th and Washington Avenue, where a female was physically assaulted. One spent casing and one live round were recovered, but no arrests have been made.
Later incidents included a gathering at 11th and Grange, where officers were briefly surrounded, and at 15th and Market, where police vehicles were damaged by crowds.
Police are continuing their efforts to prevent these gatherings and are asking the public for any information related to the incidents. Residents are urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at (215) 686-TIPS (8477).