METHUEN — The Methuen Police Department has arrested and charged nine individuals for trespassing and disturbing the peace in connection with a large “car meetup” early Monday morning.
On Monday, May 19, at 12:10 a.m., Methuen Police responded to multiple reports of loud music in the area of Edgewood and Mystic streets. The location was later pinpointed to Lindberg Avenue, where responding officers observed a large group and more than 50 vehicles.
The Department has a long-standing zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized gatherings that disrupt community peace and safety through trespassing, loud music, and aggressive driving, or worse.
“These spontaneous gatherings are organized via social media, and attendees believe they can act anonymously and without accountability because of the size of the crowd,” Chief Scott McNamara said.
Several individuals fled as police intervened. Many vehicles headed toward the dead-end portion of Lindberg Avenue, allowing officers to secure the area. Multiple individuals scaled a barbed wire fence and entered private business property.
Additional officers responded and were supported by the Massachusetts State Police and the Lawrence Police Department.
A search including Methuen K9 Officer Griff Waller and K9 Bodhi, assisted by a drone deployed by Officer Patrick Waldron, led to the arrest of nine individuals, who are charged with Trespassing and Disturbing the Peace.
Remaining individuals and vehicles involved will face $250 fines for trespassing in a motor vehicle.
Chief McNamara stated, “Our officers, alongside mutual aid partners, demonstrated exceptional coordination to restore order and ensure justice,” Chief McNamara said. “These illegal gatherings threaten public safety and affect the quality of life in the city and will not be tolerated. We are committed to holding all participants accountable, regardless of crowd size.”
Chief McNamara and the Department thank community members who reported this incident and allowed officers to quickly restore peace.
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