PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Several Philadelphia police officers were hurt while trying to disperse a massive crowd in North Philadelphia, including one who was struck by a car, breaking his ankle.
Police responded to North Broad Street, near Master Street, around 1:45 a.m. Sunday to try to break up a crowd of more than 500 people and vehicles blocking traffic.
As officers attempted to do so, one was struck by a car. The driver fled the scene.
The officer was taken to the hospital and treated for a broken ankle.
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Several other officers sustained minor injuries. They were treated and released from the hospital.
On Saturday night alone, police responded to several incidents of large gatherings and vehicles:
— 8 p.m. along Tacony Street in Wissinoming;
— 8:50 p.m. at the Philadelphia Mills Mall in the Northeast;
— and 10:20 p.m. at Byberry Road and Roosevelt Boulevard in Somerton. Three hours later, a crowd again appeared, this time less than a mile away at Haldeman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
In these cases, the crowds were dispersed without incident.
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Mayor Jim Kenney said on Twitter that these car meet gatherings are “disruptive, reckless, and often dangerous.”
John McNesby, president of the Philadelphia police union, said the city’s curfew “is not working” to address this “illegal behavior.”
In a statement, he added, “Rank and file officers are working tirelessly to stay ahead of this crime epidemic without the support of elected leaders. Enough is enough.”
The Philadelphia Police Department released surveillance video of the incident and is asking for the public’s help in identifying any of the people involved.
Anyone with information can call or text a tip to 215-686-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online.