A suspect who allegedly damaged a Philadelphia police vehicle while dressed in a banana costume during an illegal car meetup last month has been taken into custody. Shane Thomas, 18, was arrested at his home in Plymouth Township on Wednesday morning.

6abc Philadelphia
6abc Philadelphia
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Philadelphia Police Arrest Suspect in Banana Costume Accused of Damaging Police Vehicle

The arrest follows a chaotic scene two weeks ago when hundreds of people and vehicles gathered for a series of illegal car meetups across Philadelphia. The event resulted in thousands of dollars in damages and left one police officer injured. According to authorities, there were approximately a dozen meetups held throughout the night, many of which ended violently.

Who Was The Suspicious Banana Man?

One individual involved in the mayhem stood out in particular—Thomas, who police say wore a banana costume during the events. Videos from social media, which are now part of the police investigation, captured Thomas damaging a police vehicle. Investigators confirmed his identity by linking social media posts of him in the banana costume to his high school yearbook photo.

"We were able to track him down thanks to those social media posts," said Lt. Dennis Rosenbaum. "The man was dressed in a banana costume. It was hard to miss."

Thomas faces a series of charges, including vandalizing at least one police vehicle. According to Lt. Rosenbaum, the suspect was involved in damaging a police patrol wagon and is also facing conspiracy charges related to damage done to other vehicles. "In one instance, they even tried to set the police car on fire," Rosenbaum said.

Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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What Is Going On With The Illegal Car Meet-Ups?

The suspect’s arrest comes amid a larger crackdown on illegal car meetups by the Philadelphia Police Department, which has promised to bring those responsible to justice. Multiple arrests have already been made in connection with the incidents.

"The D.A.'s office has done an excellent job helping us put these cases together, and they plan to prosecute them," Rosenbaum added.

Authorities have charged several other individuals, including a woman from New Jersey and a man from Pittsburgh, for their roles in the meetups. Police have warned that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

As Thomas was taken into custody, he reportedly hurled profanities at reporters gathered outside his home.

Philadelphia police have issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal car meetups: "We're coming for you."

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