Police arrest host after breaking up 300-person pool party in New Jersey

Tuesday, August 11, 2020
HOWELL, New Jersey (WABC) -- One person is facing charges for allegedly hosting a massive pool party with hundreds of people in New Jersey.

Pictures show police responding to the crowds at the home in Howell on Sunday, which likely stemmed from a digital flier posted on Instagram.

Officers on the scene said an estimated 500 people were already packing the front, back and side yards of the home when they arrived.

There was no social distancing and police say fewer than 10 percent of the attendees were wearing masks.

The party also spilled into the surrounding neighborhood for blocks, causing heavy traffic to back up in the area.



Authorities say most of the partygoers were compliant when officers arrived to break up the party. It took about two hours for police to disperse the crowd with help from eight other jurisdictions.

The party's host, 37-year-old Ronald Chatman, who apparently charged admission for the party, was taken into custody.

Chatman was cooperative when police moved in to shut the party down -- citing violations of the governor's COVID-19 executive orders. They say he admitted the size of the party even surprised him.

Roadways leading to Wilson Drive were blocked by police for some time to prevent the steady flow of vehicles attempting to attend.

RELATED: Latest on coronavirus cases throughout the US

7 On Your Side goes to mayor after NYC nurses slammed with parking tickets
7OYS goes to mayor after NYC nurses slammed with parking tickets

[Ads /]

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE



COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates
UPDATES
New York City
[Ads /]
New Jersey
Long Island
Westchester and Hudson Valley
Connecticut

7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers
Up to 4,000 COVID cases prevented by NYC contact tracers: officials


REOPENING INFORMATION

What's Open, What's Closed
[Ads /]
Reopening New York State
Reopening New Jersey
Reopening Connecticut

Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.