A massive “pop-up” party promoted on Instagram was shut down by police in New Jersey on Sunday evening — less than a week after the state limited indoor gatherings because of the increase of coronavirus transmission rates.
Three hundred carefree revelers — most without masks — were spotted outside a home on Wilson Drive in Howell Township for what promoters called the “Real Big Drip 5” party.
Most of the house party attendees were compliant when police arrived with K-9 units, while others were angry because they paid for the event, according to the department’s Facebook page.
The organizers advertised the party as being held in a “PRIVATE Location in CENTRAL Jersey” on Instagram, according to NJ.com. “Advance Tixs…Females $30.00 Male $40.00,” the post read.
Several patrol units remained in the area to monitor surrounding streets due to reports of “stragglers urinating on people’s property and vehicles.”
Police requested help from police agencies in Wall, Brick, Jackson, Freehold, Monmouth and Ocean counties, as well as State Police.
The host of the party was arrested. A majority of those who attended were not locals.
There have been at least 184,773 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New Jersey, with 14,021 deaths.