Investigation continues into car meet that left police officer injured

Authorities have released surveillance images of suspects after an officer was injured early Sunday morning while attempting to disperse a large gathering of cars, ATVs and dirt bikes in North Philadelphia.

Police found and towed away one of the vehicles involved in the meet-up, which occurred at around 1:45 a.m. at a Sunoco gas station at the corner of Broad and Thompson streets, according to investigators.

The injured officer, following repeated verbal warnings, was trying to break up the crowds when a car exiting the gas station’s parking lot struck him, police said. He suffered a broken ankle and has since been released from the hospital, authorities said.

Detectives distributed a video Tuesday morning featuring still images of individuals and vehicles allegedly involved in the incident.

A gray-and-white Dodge Charger, which is pictured in the clip, was discovered and confiscated from the 7900 block of Barnes Street in Fox Chase, though no arrests have been made, a police spokesperson said.

Anyone with information about those involved is asked to contact the PPD’s Major Crimes Auto Squad at 215-685-9130/9133; call or text 215-686-8477; or go to www.phillypolice.com/forms/submit-a-tip.

In the hours before the Broad Street meet, similar gatherings had been broken up without issue in Northeast Philadelphia, according to authorities.