An outdoor rage room event nearly turned into a chaotic scene on the Lower East Side when police responded to reports of a riot.
According to the New York Post, an event promoting stress relief was mistaken for violence by a concerned citizen.
The Ragery, an outdoor rage room on Essex Street, attracted attention on Saturday when patrons paid $5 to smash a car with a bat. The event, dubbed "Summer Smash," began at 1:45 p.m. and allowed participants to relieve stress in a controlled environment.
Around 2:45 p.m., a 911 call reported three men aggressively hitting a vehicle. The men, equipped with hard hats, safety glasses, earmuffs, and aprons, participated in the event. The car, securely positioned on a tarp and strapped to a trailer, was part of the setup for easy cleanup.
NYPD officers arrived with sirens blaring, ready to address what they thought was a violent disturbance. Upon arrival, they discovered the participants had signed waivers and were engaging in a sanctioned activity. The Ragery's co-founder, Roman Lupu, approached the officers to explain the situation.
“They said that somebody called, that they were worried that somebody smashing the car,” said Lupu. “They were very puzzled. The looks on their faces were super puzzled.”
The event, advertised on the business’s website for weeks, had been postponed the previous week due to rain. It was a promotional activity to introduce The Ragery, a business opened in January by Roman Lupu and his partner Bogdan Zhukovsky as a stress relief outlet.
Approximately 50 people took part in smashing the car on Saturday. The event's intention was to provide a fun and therapeutic experience for participants. Despite the misunderstanding, the event continued without further incident after police confirmed everything was under control.
Lupu recounted the officers' gradual realization that the event was harmless. “They took a while, and they kind of came closer, and I went to talk to them and said, ‘Hey guys, don’t worry. This is all a plan, it’s just a promotional, kind of fun event for our customers for a new rage room here in the city.”
The NYPD officers eventually understood the purpose of the gathering and finalized their response. “The NYPD responded and finalized the job,” Lupu added, indicating the conclusion of the police's involvement.
Roman Lupu and Bogdan Zhukovsky’s initiative to create a stress relief outlet faced an unexpected hurdle but ultimately succeeded in drawing attention to their business. The incident served as a reminder of the thin line between creative promotional activities and public safety concerns.
Despite the initial confusion, the event showcased the growing popularity of rage rooms as a method for people to manage stress in a controlled environment. The Ragery's successful handling of the situation ensured that participants enjoyed the event without further interruptions.
In conclusion, The Ragery's outdoor event on Essex Street was a unique attempt to offer stress relief through an interactive and engaging experience. Although a concerned citizen's 911 call brought unexpected police attention, the clear explanation from organizers and cooperation from participants ensured the event proceeded smoothly. The Ragery continues to provide a space for stress relief, now with added recognition from an unintended but impactful promotional mishap.
