Car meetup causes $10K damage at Yonkers waterfront

YONKERS, New York (WABC) -- A meetup of car enthusiasts caused significant damage at the JFK Marina and Park in Yonkers, with several luxury vehicles tearing up the grass in what police described as a destructive takeover.

"I enjoy nice cars. What I don't enjoy is people breaking laws," said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza.

Police said the group traveled from the Bronx three weeks ago, with at least four cars recorded drifting and doing donuts in the waterfront park. Detectives said they had ample evidence because participants posted videos of the stunt on social media. Muhamed Alsaedi and Abaas Alsaedi were arrested and charged with 2nd degree criminal mischief, a felony.

"The message is if you're coming here with the intention to commit a crime, coming here with the intention of damaging property, stay home," added Sapienza. "Do not come to Yonkers."

Law enforcement agencies across the tristate area have been responding to similar incidents, including one last weekend in Maspeth, Queens, that also resulted in an arrest. In the Yonkers case, police impounded three vehicles.

The Yonkers Parks Department estimated the damage at $10,000. "Field work needs to be done. We have to bring in staff. There were ruts. It's a place where, is rented out the field for events and activities. The seniors do programs. It's overlooking the Hudson. So it was very disappointing to see," said Steve Sansone, Parks Department Commissioner.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said the behavior is part of a pattern. "Obviously these individuals do this on a regular basis, and so they'll run themselves into a community, cause a ruckus, and then leave us with a mess," he said.

Police have since used social media to respond to the suspects' posts, hoping the strategy will deter future takeovers.

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