Major police response near RDU as large crowds and hundreds of cars gather on Aviation Parkway

MORRISVILLE, North Carolina — A significant law enforcement presence gathered less than a mile from Raleigh-Durham International Airport overnight to help control the large crowds and hundreds of cars gathered along the Aviation Parkway.

Large crowds of around 100 to 200 people could be seen gathering around the RDU Galleria on Aviation Parkway around midnight. The RDU Galleria is a three-story gas station offering 16 gas pumps and a convenience store and food court on the first floor.

According to a flyer found online, an event called Friday Nights at Aviation Park n' Chill was scheduled to run from 8 p.m. to midnight and included food, drinks and cars. However, the flyer states “No burnout, no ramp-up.” It is not yet clear whether it was this group that gathered and provoked the police response.

One witness said there were about 100 to 200 cars on Aviation Parkway and they appeared to be “trying to take over the street.” They said at least 100 people were waiting in line to watch cars speed down the road.

When WRAL News arrived on scene, hundreds of people were gathered near the RDU Galleria and the Sheetz across the street, and a large gathering of police officers were in the road flashing their emergency lights. At least State Highway Patrol and Wake County Sheriff's Office vehicles were immediately visible.

There was also a helicopter at the scene, and people on the ground seemed to be looking at it and waving.

WRAL News is working to learn more about why police responded to the scene and if any arrests were made.