A reckless driving meet-up Saturday night in Takoma Park involved some people who were wearing body armor and many who banged on police car hoods and bumpers.
Takoma Park, Montgomery and Prince’s George’s county, and the D.C. Metropolitan police were all involved in breaking up the 11:15 p.m. meet-up at the intersection of New Hampshire and Ethan Allen avenues.
When Takoma Park officers first arrived, they found “a chaotic scene” in which a large crowd had gathered and formed a circle around the intersection as multiple drivers drove dangerously, doing burnouts and donuts, according to Takoma Park Police.
When the officers arrived, the crowd “quickly surrounded the police vehicles and began banging on the hoods and bumpers.” They also taunted officers, according to Takoma Park Police.
When officers turned on their emergency sirens, “this only seemed to exacerbate the situation,” according to police.
Some in the crowd wore ballistic plate carriers, and one person revealed a handgun that was tucked into his waistband, police said. When that person dispersed into the crowd, Takoma Police called for assistance from police in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
When other officers began arriving, the drivers as well as others in the crowd began leaving, with many heading south on New Hampshire Avenue toward the District of Columbia, where that police department provided lookouts.
Takoma Police stressed that reckless meetups are illegal, dangerous “and jeopardize the safety and tranquility of our community.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.
— Takoma Park Police (@TakomaParkPD) February 11, 2024
