NEWARK, DE – The Newark Police Department has charged more than 60 people with violating the City of Newark’s Unlawful Social Gathering ordinance following three separate incidents late last night and early this morning.
On October 29, 2020, at about 2352 hours, Newark Police responded to a residence in the unit block of New London Avenue for a loud music complaint. Arriving officers found approximately 30-40 people in and outside the residence. Some fled upon sight of the officers. Officers cited 18 people for violation of the City of Newark’s Unlawful Social Gathering ordinance. They were all released to appear in Newark Alderman’s Court at a later date.
On October 29, 2020, at about 2357 hours, Newark Police responded to an apartment in the 600 block of Lehigh Road for a loud music complaint. Arriving officers found more than 12 people inside the apartment and some fled the apartment by climbing out windows upon sight of the officers. Officers cited 12 people for violation of the City of Newark’s Unlawful Social Gathering ordinance. They were all released to appear in Newark Alderman’s Court at a later date.
On October 30, 2020, at about 0118 hours, Newark Police responded to a residence in the unit block of South Chapel Street for a loud music complaint. Arriving officers found numerous people inside the residence. Officers cited 33 people for violation of the City of Newark’s Unlawful Social Gathering ordinance. They were all released to appear in Newark Alderman’s Court at a later date.
The University of Delaware Police Department assisted Newark Police at all three locations and referred any students for possible sanctions through the University of Delaware.
The City of Newark’s Unlawful Social Gathering ordinance is more strict than the Governor’s State of Emergency Orders. Under this ordinance:
- No more than twelve (12) people, who do not reside together at the residence, may gather indoors at a private residence.
- No more than twenty (20) people, who do not reside together at the residence, may gather outdoors at a private residence. This includes yards and porches/decks.
- The City Manager may issue permits to exceed these numbers. Click here for information on obtaining a permit. Persons age sixteen (16) and under are not included in the count of attendees.
- Penalties range from fines to community service and anyone present, not just the persons who organized the gathering, may be cited under the law.
Additional information, including related laws and ordinances, can be found on our COVID-19 resource at newarkdepolicepress.com/COVID-19.
The Newark Police Department will be adding extra patrols this weekend in anticipation of Halloween. Residents are reminded of the ordinance listed above, which applies to all residences in the City of Newark.
