Burnouts, donuts, and fireworks: Major police response clears out chaotic vigil for motorcycle crash victim

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of people swarmed 92nd near Arthur for hours on Friday, Sept. 15. According to the West Allis Police Department, a large gathering formed at the site of Thursday's crash for a vigil. Police say that some members of the crowd disrupted traffic and were doing burnouts in the street.

The West Allis Police Department requested other agencies to assist in maintaining order.

"Saw a lot of burnouts, a lot of cops. Cops were trying to shut the stuff down for roughly four hours trying to get everyone away," said Casey Huebner, a witness of the disruption.

"They were threatening to shoot people with rubber bullets. Yeah, it was crazy," said Huebner.

Family members said the man who died Thursday is Jason "JJ" Perenich, Jr., who just turned 21 September 4.

They told us JJ took his friend's new motorcycle for a test drive Thursday and crashed into a car. Neighbors at the scene told us he was speeding around a corner.

On Friday afternoon, family and friends gathered at the crash scene for a loosely-organized vigil. JJ's father and brother wore ceremonial motorcycle helmets signed by JJ's friends, then started doing donuts and burnouts in the street.

At first, just a few police officers were on the scene to keep an eye on things. They largely let the crowd go, realizing what was taking place.

But after a few hours, the crowd got out of hand. There was lots of smoke and fireworks. A neighbor also captured another motorcycle crash on video.

JJ's family said they’re planning a formal memorial service for next weekend.