A 10th person has been arrested in connection with a car meet that caused chaos throughout Philadelphia in September, and police are searching for a man accused of profiting from the illegal event.
The meet, also known as a takeover or “sideshow,” began on the night of Sept. 21 in Northeast Philadelphia and spread to nearly a dozen locations, including outside City Hall, in the ensuing hours. Video clips and images from the gatherings – some showing attendees waving guns or performing vehicular stunts – went viral.
Police said Monday that 20-year-old Ezra Walker, of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was apprehended Nov. 21.
Walker was allegedly spotted drifting in his blue Camaro at the intersection of 25th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, PPD Inspector Raymond Evers told reporters at a news conference.
He has been charged with causing catastrophe, rioting, fleeing officers, conspiracy and other crimes. Court documents indicate he was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.
Authorities have also issued an arrest warrant for Samuel Merrill-Hoffman, 19, of Reading, who Evers described as the meet’s No. 2 promoter.
Levittown resident Joseph Cavanaugh, 21, was the event’s top organizer, according to police. He was taken into custody Oct. 25.
Police believe Cavanaugh and Merrill-Hoffman made money through social media, advertising and by selling lists of gathering locations, Evers added.
In addition to the double-digit arrest total, detectives have confiscated 32 cars in relation to the September meet, police said.
