Police respond to “impromptu car show” at Austin Landing Saturday evening

MIAMI TWP. — As Ohio leaders continue to stress social distancing, police responded to Austin Landing over the weekend on a report of hundreds of people taking part in what one neighbor described as an “impromptu car show.”

Dispatch records indicate multiple calls around 6:30pm Saturday reporting he large gathering on the top level of a parking garage off Penny Lane in Austin Landing.

“Aside from being a noise issue, there’s well over a hundred cars and people just walking around,” one neighbor reported, according to a non-emergency call obtained by News Center 7, adding, “They’re revving their engines, they’re racing down the street, making all kinds of noise.”

According to dispatch records, police found “200+” cars and dispersed the crowd.

Miami Township Police told News Center 7’s Sean Cudahy this gathering was not sanctioned by Austin Landing ownership. Police added, part of the problem was the behavior of some participants, who did “donuts” on the parking garage top level, leaving behind skid marks – which our crew on scene observed.

The current Stay Safe Ohio order says: “Any gathering of more than ten people is prohibited” unless specifically allowed by the order.

Gov. DeWine Monday acknowledged as Ohio’s economy begins to re-open, it will be increasingly incumbent on citizens to take protective measures.

“More and more this is totally up to you,” DeWine said, adding, “We just need everyone to cooperate so we can continue to open up, and continue to get our economy moving again.”

WHIO has not learned of any arrests in connection with this incident.

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