200 people caught trespassing at private Heritage Minerals lake in Manchester, New Jersey

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

200 people caught trespassing at private lake in New Jersey

Police issued 131 summonses after more than 200 people were caught trespassing at a quarry in New Jersey. Toni Yates has the story.

MANCHESTER, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police issued 131 summonses after more than 200 people were caught trespassing at a quarry in New Jersey.

Authorities say officers found scores of vehicles, including ATVs, around the lake at the Heritage Mineral property in Manchester Township on Saturday.

Some people tried to flee, but police were able to issue summonses for 90 criminal violations and 41 traffic violations.

A vehicle was also found stuck in the sand.

It was towed away, and its owner was given a summons.

The massive 7,000-acre site was originally owned by the American Smelting and Refining Company before it was sold to Heritage Minerals.

Mining on the property stopped in the 1980s, and the property has always been closed to the public.

Police said everyone should obey the "No Trespassing" signs posted at the site.

"It is dangerous, we've had drownings over the years, we've had serious and fatal accidents -- motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs, it looks safe but as soon as you get to about 10 feet and the waters edge, it drops down to as deep as 70-80 feet in some spots," said Cpt. Vincent Manco of the Manchester Township Police Department.

Police say they have gotten many calls for quality-of-life issues including loud music, motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis.

"It's gotten to the point where we can barely even park our cars in front of our house, caravans of cars are non-stop, every weekend," resident Erin Carroll said.

Those caught on the property could face hefty fines and penalties.

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