South Elgin police bring in backup to break up gathering of 500 to 600 cars in parking lot Saturday night

Six law enforcement agencies were called in Saturday night to help the South Elgin Police Department disperse 500 to 600 vehicles that had gathered in a Randall Road strip mall parking lot, reports said.

South Elgin police received a call about 8:35 p.m. about shots fired and drag racing taking place in the area outside the shopping center anchored by a Best Buy store at 424 Randall Road, according to police reports.

While officers determined there were no gunfire, the sounds could have been from some of the vehicles with modified exhaust systems, officials said, and police observed some of the vehicles being driven recklessly.

Most of those in attendance cooperated with officers when they activated their emergency lights and told people to leave, reports said, but a small number threw objects at squad cars and attempted to climb on top of them.

Because of the size of the gathering, South Elgin police requested assistance from the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles, Elgin, Campton Hills and Bartlett police departments, and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County Police Department.

There were no reported injuries or property damage.

No additional investigation is being done but anyone with information on the incident should call South Elgin police at 847-741-2151 or Tri-Com Central Dispatch at 630-377-0911.

Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.

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