Over 1,000 People Pack Berlin Shopping Center for Unauthorized Car Show
Sunday, March 17, 2024
BERLIN, NJ (MARCH 17, 2024)(CNBNEWS)----On March 15, 2024 at approximately 1752 hours, The Berlin Police Department was dispatched to the Berlin Shopping Center located at 328 S White Horse Pike, Berlin for a report of cars in the parking lot speeding and causing issues. Officers arrived on location to observe a large gathering from a car show. This was later found to be advertised on social media as “Mega Meet; New York VS New Jersey VS Pennsylvania”. It should be noted that this event did not include any official notifications to the Berlin Police Department due to the obvious concern of crowd and vehicle control.
Numerous officers arrived shortly after, and they found the parking lot overflowing, causing major transit issues on White Horse Pike, Lanesboro Road, Florence Avenue, and surrounding businesses. Vehicles were found parking on the sidewalks, shoulders, and grass areas of multiple surrounding streets and parking lots, and numerous patrons were urinating in public.
The Berlin Police Department took quick action and established a Command Post on the scene to ensure the safety of all of those involved. Berlin Fire Department was also dispatched to assist in the matter due to the overwhelming amount of foot traffic and vehicle traffic that was surrounding the area. Due to the full parking lot, complaints began to increase to the police department in relation to traffic issues, parking issues, and pedestrian traffic due to not being able to get into the parking lot of the Berlin Shopping Center. The decision was made to block off all entrances and close access to the event due to there being no more room in the parking lot. Command learned that the Monaco Go-Cart Arena granted access to this event.
The owner of Berlin Shopping Center, supersedes Monaco, advised that this event was not permitted and was to stop immediately due to the ongoing increased safety and permission concerns. The Berlin Police Department began to assemble foot patrol units and mobile vehicle units to circulate the area to maintain safety, crowd control, and traffic control, and guide patrons to a safe exit.
Police Units from Winslow, Gloucester Township, Berlin Township, Clementon, Lindenwold, and Berlin Borough began to disperse the large crowd and over 1000 vehicles.
As the parking lot emptied, Berlin Police established a roving patrol to handle calls for service. During this time, Berlin Police responded to two motor vehicle crashes, shopliftings, and a series of complaints from residents about loud vehicles driving recklessly. Officers also responded to Pasta Vino, McDonalds, Scotto’s Pizza, Royal Farm’s, Prime Storage, and other surrounding businesses for small car meets beginning to start at these locations.
All vehicles were requested to leave, which all complied in an orderly fashion.
Thankfully, no one was injured in either motor vehicle crash, and all parties involved complied to leave the event. This incident still remains under investigation.
The Berlin Police Department would like to thank our residents and businesses who reported various concerning behaviors by those involved. We appreciate your support and patience in this matter as we took all precautions to ensure this incident was handled effectively and safely. We would also like to thank the Berlin Fire Department, Berlin Fire Marshal, Berlin Office of Emergency Management, and various surrounding police jurisdictions for your assistance.
Assisting Agencies:
Berlin Fire Department
Berlin Fire Marshal
Berlin Office of Emergency Management
Winslow Police Department
Gloucester Township Police Department
Berlin Township Police Department
Lindenwold Police Department
Clementon Police Department
Linden Auto Body
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