Ewing Police issue disorderly conduct citations to man who held house party in violation of executive order

A 54-year-old Ewing man was issued two disorderly persons citations by police for holding a house party Friday night in violation of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s order banning social gatherings and parties.

The man hosted a party in his apartment on Concord Avenue. Police were dispatched to the apartment at 1 a.m. after they received a report of a noise violation.

Police observed 47 people having a party that included a DJ and alcohol. Police said they could also smell marijuana. The police officers broke up the party and released everyone except for the tenant, who was issued citations for obstruction and violating an executive order. The apartment was 550 square feet, with one bedroom and one bathroom. Police said almost all of the people at the party were squeezed together inside, with a handful of people outside the apartment.

Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri praised the response of the police officers and the decision to disperse the partygoers rather than charge everyone in attendance.

“The goal was to break up the party and send everyone home. Based on safety and resources, police made the right call to only issue citations to the host,” he said.

Onofri also said the public needs to heed the governor’s executive orders.

“These are mandates, not suggestions,” Onofri said. “Mercer County and the entire state of New Jersey will not tolerate such irresponsible, criminal behavior, and violators will be prosecuted. Not only are these actions illegal, but in a time where such reckless conduct could endanger family, loved ones, first responders and the community at large, they are also unethical.”