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Cops clear 300 people from ‘pop-up’ party at N.J. home

Gov. Phil Murphy tightened social gatherings limits after the state saw an increase in COVID-19 cases among young people

howell township police party.jpg

Police arrive at a New Jersey mansion to shut down a pool party attended by 300 people August 9, 2020.

Photo/Howell Township Police Department

By Noah Cohen
The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa.

MONMOUTH COUNTY, N.J. — Police from two counties Sunday dispersed about 300 people from a “pop-up” party that was promoted through social media and hosted in a residential Howell neighborhood, authorities said.

Township officers called for assistance from police in Wall, Brick, Jackson and Freehold along with state troopers and sheriff’s officers from Monmouth and Ocean counties to break up the massive gathering on Wilson Drive in the Ramtown neighborhood.

“Most of the attendees are compliant. Others are hesitant and are directing their anger towards the host who charged admission,” police said in a statement shortly after 7 p.m.

“PRIVATE Location in CENTRAL Jersey...Advance Tixs...Females $30.00 Male $40.00,” an Instagram post advertising the event read. The post mentioned a DJ and pool party as part of the festivities. The online flier called the party the “Real Big Drip 5.”

Only residents were being allowed on the street as officers worked to clear party-goers. Police said more details would be released later.

Last month, police charged three people with violating Gov. Phil Murphy’s coronavirus order barring large gatherings after officers broke up a party with at least 700 attendees in Jackson.

Outdoor gatherings can have up to 500 attendees while maintaining social distancing as of early July.

Murphy tightened limits on indoor gatherings last week after the state saw increasing numbers of young people who tested positive for the illness. The governor pointed to the Jackson mansion party, in part, as an example of why he moved to limit indoor events.

“We cannot be any clearer that indoor gatherings — especially large, crowded ones, where social distancing isn’t being practiced and face masks aren’t being worn — are not safe,” Murphy said last week. “To be clear, this tightening caps house parties at 25 people — period.”

https://www.facebook.com/howellpolice/posts/2990411657675281?__tn__=-R

©2020 The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.)

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