Three shot at massive “pop-up” car meet in East Hartford that attracted 1,000 people, police say

Three people were shot in an East Hartford parking lot early Monday where a crowd of about 1,000 had gathered for an impromptu car meet.

The two females and one male victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Deputy Police Chief Christopher Davis said.

Police were aware of the gathering at the huge lot on East River Drive — after it started, before the shooting — but decided to monitor the situation rather than trying to disperse the large crowd, Davis said.

A peaceful meet had been held the night before in East Hartford, he said.

“You have limited resources to deal with 1,000 people, so how much do you push the issue at that point if everything is relatively calm and peaceful,” Davis said.

Lt. John Dupont said 300-500 vehicles were on the lot when the shooting happened. Notice of the gathering was posted on social media and people flocked to the parking lot. An Instagram post from ct.underground listing the East River Drive location said, “All cars welcome Sunday part 2 — meet 8:30 p.m.” The post, which said the gathering was produced by “CT.S.W” also said, “Not our meet but pop out!!”

Similar unsanctioned meets have happened in Hartford and other communities — sometimes without incident, sometimes not.

In Hartford, the gatherings typically have been held after-hours involving newer model autos, not the old-school muscle cars and antiques featured at many sanctioned shows, police spokesman Lt. Paul Cicero said.

Police have responded to assaults and car crashes at the pop-up meets, Cicero said. On Saturday, the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash on Airport Road was among a large group of motorcyclists who had gathered in the area, he said.

The shooting in East Hartford happened at about 3 a.m. at the American Eagle Financial Credit Union, 333 East River Drive. Multiple 911 calls came in. When officers arrived, people were fleeing, Dupont said.

The victims were standing near a car that the shooter fired at and were not the intended targets, Davis said. One person was shot in the back and the other two suffered graze wounds to their heads, he said.

One woman sustained a “very minor injury” and was able to leave the chaotic scene on her own, Dupont said. He said the other two victims also were conscious afterward.

Car and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages and affections, along with charities, have had to suffer the cancellation of many shows this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jesse Leavenworth can be reached at jleavenworth@courant.com

Christine Dempsey can be reached at cdempsey@courant.com.