In a bold move to curb the growing menace of illegal car meetups, the Suffolk County Police Department has taken decisive action, locking down a gathering in the Ronkonkoma train station parking lot and making several arrests. This article delves into the details of this operation, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and restore order on Suffolk's roadways.

Putting the Brakes on Dangerous Stunts and Reckless Behavior

Cracking Down on the Ronkonkoma Meetup

The Suffolk County Police Street Takeover Task Force and Criminal Intelligence members from all seven county precincts descended on the Ronkonkoma train station parking lot on Saturday night, as a large group had gathered for an illegal car meetup. Acting swiftly, the officers blocked all exits, effectively trapping the attendees, much like the rowdy bikers in the classic film "A Bronx Tale." The arrests soon followed, with one driver, Michael Watson, 19, of Ronkonkoma, cited for Performing a Side Show and Engaging in Stunt Behavior. He was also issued three additional traffic tickets, and his 2002 Dodge Ram was impounded.

Repeat Offender Arrested

The police also apprehended Jason Merino, 24, of Medford, and charged him with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st Degree under Angelica's Law. Merino had an astounding 35 suspensions on nine different dates, highlighting the persistent disregard for the law exhibited by some participants in these car meetups. His 2006 Honda sedan was also impounded.

A Growing Menace on Suffolk's Roads

Car meetups have been causing significant problems on Suffolk's roadways in recent months, leading to serious injuries, arrests, and property damage. Earlier this month, a Suffolk police officer responding to a meetup in Islip crashed into a pole while trying to avoid a person in the roadway. In October, a Brooklyn man was charged for allegedly striking a 19-year-old woman with a white Infiniti he was operating, "while allegedly performing dangerous amateur car stunts" and then fleeing the scene near Patchogue's Gateway Plaza.

Reckless Behavior Endangers Lives

During these car meetups, groups of drivers gather in lots and public roadways to perform amateur stunts, such as donuts, in front of onlookers. Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney has referred to these individuals as "wannabe racecar drivers," who "thoughtlessly took over a number of our roadways, endangering lives, harassing our citizens, and even preventing an ambulance from passing."

Ongoing Efforts to Restore Order

The Suffolk County Police Department's crackdown on the Ronkonkoma car meetup is part of a broader effort to address the growing problem of illegal and dangerous car gatherings. By blocking exits, making arrests, and impounding vehicles, the authorities are sending a clear message that such reckless behavior will not be tolerated. As the battle to maintain public safety on Suffolk's roads continues, the community can expect to see more decisive action from law enforcement in the coming months.