2 more face charges in Philadelphia car meet probe

Two out-of-towners were charged Saturday in connection with car meet-ups that occurred last weekend across the city, police said.

A total of four arrests have been made in relation to the chaotic gatherings – sometimes known as “sideshows” or takeovers – which lasted several hours Sept. 21 and 22 and spanned Center City, the Northeast and Southwest Philadelphia.

Albert Woynar, 18, of Pittsburgh, and Alexis Boyce, 20, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, are the latest to be handcuffed in connection with the events, according to police.

Authorities, while not detailing their exact roles in the meets, said Woynar was charged with aggravated assault, causing or risking a catastrophe, rioting, fleeing police, criminal conspiracy and related offenses.

State Police picked up Woynar on Friday in Pittsburgh, the PPD said. Boyce turned herself in, police added, and she has been charged with causing or risking a catastrophe, rioting, fleeing police and criminal conspiracy.

Court documents indicate that Boyce and Woynar were both released after posting bail.

At the unsanctioned meets, which began at about 9:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the parking lot of a Rhawnhurst Pep Boys, groups of drivers gathered to drift and perform other stunts, investigators said. In some cases, participants set off fireworks and started fires, according to the PPD.

Police vehicles were vandalized when crowds allegedly attacked officers who responded to gatherings that cropped up after 4 a.m. Sept. 22 near City Hall and in the area of Island and Bartram avenues in Southwest Philadelphia, authorities said.

Investigators believe at least one shot was fired after a group converged at 25th Street and Washington Avenue in Grays Ferry.

In the days that followed, prosecutors charged 25-year-old Deonte Vincent, of Tacony, and 19-year-old Upper Darby resident Jhonny Martinez.

Vincent is accused of nearly hitting officers with his Dodge Charger before ramming a Dodge Durango at the Rhawnhurst meet, leaving a civilian injured. He is facing two counts of aggravated assault, along with other charges.

Martinez was arrested after allegedly almost striking a PPD cruiser while doing doughnuts near Columbus Boulevard and Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia. Officers followed him and he crashed into a pole, according to authorities. Martinez has been charged with reckless endangerment.

Anyone with information about the car incidents is asked to call or text PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).