Illegal drag racing, drifting meet broken up by police in new jersey

PERTH AMBOY, NJ—Authorities swiftly intervened at an unsanctioned street racing event on March 17. The Perth Amboy Police Department (PAPD) was alerted to the illegal gathering around 5:53 p.m., following numerous 911 calls about vehicle racing and drifting at the intersection of State Highway 35/Convery Boulevard and Smith Street, near the Victory Bridge.

An off-duty officer at the location reported a significant crowd had assembled for what seemed to be a “takeover” event. Police units converged on the scene from multiple directions by 5:57 p.m., effectively halting numerous vehicles, resulting in over a dozen summonses with more anticipated. One vehicle was impounded and faces civil forfeiture.

Subsequent investigations revealed the event was organized in advance, with similar incidents occurring in other areas earlier the same day. Deyvi Navarette-Menjivar, 21, from Plainfield, faces charges including Disorderly Conduct and Interference of Transportation, and is currently held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending a court appearance in Middlesex County Superior Court.

The incident led to two vehicles being damaged by debris and a minor collision as one vehicle attempted to flee; however, no injuries were reported. Traffic returned to normal by 6:10 p.m. Investigations continue as officials seek to identify all participants, noting none of the culprits reside in Perth Amboy.

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