Teen charged for organizing unsanctioned car meet up at NJ Kohl’s parking lot, police say

A teen has been charged for organizing a large, unsanctioned car meet up at a Kohl’s parking lot in South Jersey earlier this month, according to the Washington Township Police Department.

Officers were called to the parking lot at Plaza 42 on the 5800 block of Route 42 in Turnersville in the evening of March 14 after disruptive behavior was reported, police said.

Police dispatch said they got reports of loud music, revving engines and vehicles racing in the lot.

Alexis Palacias, 19, was charged for organizing the event with charges including disorderly conduct and hosting a large gathering without a permit as well as breach of peace, police said.

Investigators learned that the event was promoted on social media as the “South Jersey MEGA MEET 2026 Season Opener.”

In social posts shared by police, promotional materials for the event claim that it was permitted to happen and listed rules so the event wouldn’t get shut down.

More people could face charges as detectives continue to investigate the event.

A hit-and-run crash on Greentree Road is being investigated as part of this meet, police said.

Officials say that another car meet up was scheduled for this upcoming weekend at a nearby shopping center, but police say that officers will be there to stop it before it starts.