Illegal NJ Car Meet, With 100+ Drivers, Ends With Gun Charges, Police Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A massive car meet in Passaic County ended with criminal charges for two masked participants this weekend, according to authorities.

On Sunday, around 5 a.m., police were called to River Road and Route 21 in Clifton after many reports of several cars blocking roads came in.

Authorities discovered a massive car meet in the area, featuring more than 100 cars, according to police. Between 100 and 200 people, many of whom were wearing masks, were intentionally blocking the intersection of River and Entin roads to "facilitate racing and other reckless driving," officials said.

"As officers arrived, attendees began to flee in all directions, running to their vehicles, driving away recklessly, and creating many hazardous situations with little regard for the safety of themselves or other motorists in the area," a Clifton Police spokesperson told Patch.

Police departments from several surrounding areas responded to the meetup. Many people were detained and issued summonses as the investigation unfolded, police said.

Two men, Khiri Summers, 21, and Erick Mendez, 22, both from Monmouth Junction, were spotted standing next to a blue Infiniti. As police investigated them, they discovered both men owned a Taurus 9mm handgun with an illegal magazine capacity, officials said.

Both men were charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and possession of a high-capacity magazine. They were brought to the Passaic County Sheriff's Office Corrections Hub to await court proceedings.

Police say the investigation into the car meet is still in its early stages, and that additional summonses and arrests are likely.