Cops bust 30 people filming videos of each other at ‘You Tube’ party in New Jersey just hours after the state declared coronavirus lockdown
- Police were called to break up a house party late on Saturday night
- The call came just an hour after New Jersey Governor had enforced a lockdown
- Despite there being around 30 people present, just one person was prosecuted
- Chief said he was ‘really damned unhappy’ that people were ignoring the order requiring people to implement social distancing measures
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New Jersey police officers were forced to break up a house party on Saturday night after more than 30 people were found filming each other during a ‘You Tube’ party.
The gathering in Penns Grove near Philadelphia was in contravention of Governors Phil Murphy’s coronavirus lockdown order which went into effect just hours earlier.
The man in his 30s has been charged with a disorderly persons offense.
Governors Phil Murphy’s, pictured, coronavirus lockdown order which went into effect on Saturday night but in Penns Grove, some ignored and a house party had to be shut down
Penns Grove Police Chief Patrick Riley Sr. said it appeared the partiers were making videos of one another and uploading them to YouTube
Only the tenant, who was in his 30s, was charged with an offense as other partygoers agreed to leave when asked.
Penns Grove Police Chief Patrick Riley Sr. said it appeared the partiers were making videos of one another and uploading them to YouTube.
Three police officers, who were not wearing masks were sent to the home after receiving a noise complaint between 10pm and midnight.
The Governor’s order which went into effect on 9pm on Saturday bans parties and celebrations along with other social events.
However, it appears that many people were not following the order.
Murphy said that he was ‘really damned unhappy’ that so many people had ignored the directive.
Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has said there will be ‘serious legal consequences’ to those who didn’t comply.
‘It was a very busy night, as our call volume has increased,’ Riley said to the NJ Advance.
Riley said it is a tough time for his officers as there is no way to fully protect them from the virus.
‘We’re very limited in what we can do. We try to keep our distance,’ Riley said.
By Monday afternoon, there were 2,844 known coronavirus cases in New Jersey, with 27 deaths
By Monday afternoon, there were 2,844 known coronavirus cases in New Jersey, with 27 deaths.
Writing on Facebook, Riley has asked people to take the lockdown and concerns about the coronavirus seriously.
‘I ask the citizens to please adhere to the Governor’s executive orders as this is the only way we will be able to stop the spread of the very dangerous virus. Again thank you for your cooperation and patience during these very uncertain times,’ Riley said.
