BRIDGEPORT, N.J. (WPVI) — A music and car event caught officials and police by surprise on Sunday in Bridgeport, Gloucester County.
It was put on by a company called Import Expo at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park. Police say the organizers didn’t have a permit, and when an estimated 25,000 people showed up, it caused concern.
“Haven’t seen anything like this in this little town ever!” said resident Ed Gaventa, who lives and owns a winery a block from the venue.
Gaventa and his wife chose to close for the day after the road in front of their house, Repaupo Station, turned into a parking lot.
There were reports of lewdness, fights and other disorderly conduct.
“It was very intimidating and very scary,” Marsha Gaventa commented on the large crowds that gathered.
Logan police stopped allowing people to enter the venue and called for backup help.
New Jersey state police responded with a helicopter.
An emergency alert to disperse the area was sent to phones in the region, and reportedly reached people as far away as Delaware, which led to some confusion.
The Motorsports Park released a statement on Facebook, apologizing for the event, and saying it did not expect the large crowds. Once operators realized what was happening, they worked with law enforcement to shut it down and not escalate the situation further.
“It was a party in the street. It would’ve been a good time if I was 18. But it was in our backyard,” Marsha Gaventa said while laughing.
Police say only one person was charged with disorderly conduction, but some township ordinance violations will also be filed. There are no reports of injuries. Attempts to reach Import Expo have been unsuccessful.
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